— Visa Policies

Find the latest visa policies for various countries here

01. Saudi Arabia

1. Tourist Visa (eVisa)

  • Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of over 50 countries (including the USA, UK, EU, and some Asian countries) can apply online.
  • Validity: 1 year (multiple-entry), with stays up to 90 days per visit.
  • Requirements:
    • Valid passport (at least 6 months)
    • Travel insurance (often bundled with the eVisa)
    • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
    • Return ticket
  • Restrictions:
    • Not valid for Hajj or Umrah during Hajj season.
    • Not allowed for work.

2. Work Visa (Iqama)

  • For foreign workers employed by Saudi companies
  • Process:
    • Employer in Saudi Arabia must sponsor the worker.
    • Ministry of Labor issues a work permit.
    • Visa is stamped on the passport at the Saudi embassy in the worker’s country.
    • After arrival, the worker gets a residency permit (Iqama).
  • Validity: Typically 1-2 years, renewable.
  • Requirements:
    • Job offer and contract
    • Medical tests
    • Police clearance (sometimes required)
  • Restrictions:
    • Can only work for the sponsoring employer.
    • Changing jobs requires approval and a new visa process.

3. Umrah Visa

  • Purpose: For performing Umrah pilgrimage.
  • Validity: 30 days (usually single entry).
  • Requirements:
    • Umrah package booking through licensed agents.
    • Valid passport and health insurance.
  • Umrah eVisa: Now available for many countries online.
  • Restrictions:
    • Not valid during Hajj season (only Hajj Visa allowed then).
    • No work or business activities allowed.

4. Hajj Visa

  • Purpose: For Muslims to perform Hajj (annual pilgrimage).
  • Validity: Only valid for the Hajj season (issued for specific dates).
  • Requirements:
    • Booked through an authorized Hajj operator.
    • Proof of being Muslim.
    • Vaccinations (including meningitis and COVID if required).
  • Restrictions:
    • No work allowed.
    • Strictly limited to one visit every 5 years for most countries.

5. Business Visa

  • For business meetings, conferences, or temporary work visits
  • Types: Single-entry or multiple-entry
  • Validity: Ranges from 30 days to 1 year.
  • Requirements:
    • Invitation letter from a Saudi company.
    • Valid passport and visa application through the embassy or online portal.

6. Family Visit Visa

  • Issued for relatives of residents (Iqama holders)
  • Eligibility: Only immediate family (parents, spouse, children)
  • Validity: Single or multiple-entry (30 to 365 days)
  • Extension Possible: Yes, up to 180 days (in some cases more)
  • Requirements:
    • Invitation letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    • Medical insurance
    • Passport copy of the visitor and Iqama copy of the sponsor

7. Student Visa

  • For foreign students enrolled in Saudi universities
  • Issued upon confirmation of admission
  • Requirements:
    • Admission letter from a Saudi university
    • Proof of financial support
    • Medical and police clearance
  • Leads to Iqama: Yes, for duration of studies.

8. Exit/Re-Entry Visa

  • For expatriates who want to temporarily leave and return
  • Validity: Short-term (up to 6 months) or multiple re-entry (for longer periods)
  • Required for: Iqama holders (workers and family members)
  • Must be applied by the sponsor through Absher platform

02. UAE

1. Tourist Visas

  • Short-Term Tourist Visas:
    • 30-Day Single or Multiple Entry: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
    • 60-Day Single or Multiple Entry: Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.
    • Extensions: Both visa types can be extended for an additional 30 days. ​flydubai
  • 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa:
    • Eligibility: Available to all nationalities.
    • Requirements:
      • Bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) over the last six months.
      • Valid health insurance applicable in the UAE.
      • Confirmed round-trip ticket.
      • Proof of accommodation in the UAE.

2. Visa-Free Entry & Visa on Arrival

  • GCC Nationals: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter the UAE using a government-issued ID card.
  • Other Nationalities: Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry or can obtain a visa on arrival. All visitors must possess a passport valid for at least six months (or three months if holding a residence permit). ​Wikipedia

3. Work Visas

  • Process:
    • The employer sponsors the visa application.
    • An entry permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources.
    • Upon arrival, the employee undergoes medical testing, obtains an Emirates ID, and receives a residency permit (stamped on the passport).
    • The work permit is initially valid for two months, during which the residency process must be completed. ​Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
  • Requirements:
  • Regulations:
    • Employees must be at least 18 years old.
    • Employers must possess a valid trade license.
    • Employees are permitted to work only for their sponsoring employer.
    • Changing employers requires a new work permit.​Qureos

4. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residency)

  • Overview: Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency to eligible individuals.
  • Eligibility:
    • Investors.
    • Entrepreneurs.
    • Specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge.
    • Outstanding students.
    • Doctors and other professionals.
  • Benefits:
    • No requirement for a national sponsor.
    • Ability to sponsor family members and support staff.
    • No restriction on the duration of stay outside the UAE to maintain visa validity. ​WikipediaEmirates+2atpi+2flydubai+2

5. Family & Dependent Visas

  • Eligibility: UAE residents can sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents).
  • Requirements:
    • Minimum salary threshold (varies based on the number of dependents).
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Medical insurance for dependents.​

6. Job Seeker Visa

  • Purpose: Allows individuals to enter the UAE to search for employment opportunities.
  • Duration: Typically issued for six months.
  • Eligibility:
    • Recent graduates from the top 500 universities worldwide.
    • Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
    • Applicants must meet certain financial solvency requirements.​Foreign Affairs Ministry

7. Unified GCC Visa (Upcoming)

  • Overview: A proposed unified visa system for six Gulf countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
  • Purpose: Facilitates seamless travel across member countries, similar to the Schengen visa system in Europe.
  • Expected Launch: As early as late 2024 or early 2025. ​Condé Nast TravelerForeign Affairs Ministry

Note: Visa regulations and policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official UAE government portal or the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.