The validity of a Saudi visa for UAE residents depends entirely on the type of visa you apply for, whether it’s a tourist eVisa, business visa, family visit visa, or multiple-entry visa. In most cases, the Saudi tourist eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. However, short-term or single-entry visas such as business or visit visas may have shorter validity, ranging from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the visa category and purpose of travel. Understanding your visa’s validity and stay limits is essential to avoid overstaying fines or entry restrictions in the future.
1. Saudi Tourist eVisa Validity
The Saudi tourist eVisa is the most popular option for UAE residents visiting for leisure, Umrah (outside Hajj season), or short-term travel.
- The visa validity period is one year from the date of issue.
- The visa allows multiple entries within that one-year period.
- Each visit can last up to 90 consecutive days.
- You must leave Saudi Arabia before your 90-day stay ends, but you can return again anytime within the visa’s one-year validity.
This visa type is ideal for frequent travelers, businesspeople attending events, or families visiting multiple times a year.
2. Business Visa Validity
For UAE residents applying for a Saudi business visa, the validity depends on the type of invitation letter issued by a Saudi company or sponsor.
- Single-entry business visas are generally valid for three months (90 days) from the date of issue, allowing a single stay of up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia.
- Multiple-entry business visas can be valid for six months, one year, or two years, depending on the invitation. Each stay can last up to 90 days per visit.
It’s essential to follow the stay duration written on your visa, as overstaying beyond the permitted period can result in fines or bans on re-entry.
3. Family Visit Visa Validity
If you are a UAE resident visiting relatives in Saudi Arabia, you may apply for a family visit visa.
- The initial visa is valid for 90 days for single-entry or up to 180 days for multiple-entry.
- Family visit visas can sometimes be extended, depending on the sponsor’s approval and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) regulations.
- Multiple-entry family visas are valid for one year, but each stay should not exceed 90 days per entry.
4. Transit Visa Validity
For UAE residents traveling through Saudi Arabia to another destination, the transit visa is designed for short stopovers.
- Transit visas are typically valid for 96 hours (4 days) from entry.
- You must have a confirmed onward ticket and cannot overstay this short validity period.
This type of visa is especially useful for travelers taking connecting flights through Saudi airports.
5. Umrah Visa Validity (for UAE Residents)
UAE residents can perform Umrah with a tourist eVisa or a specific Umrah visa.
- The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
- It allows stays of up to 30 days in the Kingdom for the purpose of performing Umrah rituals.
- This visa is usually single-entry, though multiple-entry options exist during specific periods.
During Hajj season, Umrah visas are restricted to pilgrims with Hajj permits
6. Important Rules About Visa Validity
- The validity period starts on the date of issue, not on the date you enter Saudi Arabia.
- Each entry has a separate maximum stay duration; exceeding it leads to penalties.
- The passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Visa extensions are subject to approval and not guaranteed.
- Overstaying even by a few days may lead to fines or travel bans.
7. Practical Example
If you receive a Saudi multiple-entry tourist visa on 1 January 2025, it will remain valid until 31 December 2025.
During this period, you can visit multiple times, but each stay must not exceed 90 days. If you enter Saudi Arabia on 10 March, you must leave by 8 June unless you plan to re-enter later under the same visa.
For UAE residents, Saudi visa validity ranges from a few days for transit visas to a full year or more for tourist and business visas. The most flexible option is the one-year multiple-entry tourist eVisa, which allows 90-day stays per visit. Always check the “validity” and “duration of stay” fields printed on your visa to avoid misunderstandings. By following the rules, you can enjoy smooth travel to Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, or family visits.