visit visa to residence visa ksa

Family Visit Request   //

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  Service Description

  service beneficiaries,   conditions and requirements.

• Complete the online form via  Visa services platform ​  and stamp it electronically and authenticate it from the Chamber of Commerce or from the employer.
• Enter all the data in Arabic except if​ the visitors are not from Arab nationalities, in that case their names should match their passports.
• For residents, they should have valid for residents.
• The visitors should be of first degree relatives
• Rresidents should have a work Iqamah not relative Iqamah.

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Saudi Expatriates

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• Saudi Arabia

How to convert Family Visit Visa to Resident Iqama in Saudi Arabia?

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced that expats can convert a family visit visa to Muqeem identity card or a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia for your children only if the following two requirements are met;

• Both parents have an Iqama.
• Children are below 18 years old.

Children’s visit visa can be transferred to Iqama

In a  tweet , Jawazat has also confirmed that the visit visa for children can be transfer to Iqama if both the parents have a valid Iqama.

Requirements

• Children’s Birth Certificate attested by the Saudi Embassy + MOFA KSA.
• Children’s Vaccination Cards.
• Children’s Original Passports.
• Passport size photo of the child.
• Iqama copies of parents.
• Passport copies of parents.
• Medical Insurance for children with your insurance company.
• Marriage certificate attested by the Saudi Embassy + MOFA KSA.
• Letter from the Employer of the parents requesting Jawazat to convert the visit visa into Iqama duly attested by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Filled visa application  form  to convert family visit visa to Iqama.
• Payment of SR 2,000 fee.
• Jawazat Appointment.

Convert family visit visa to Iqama

Step 1: jawazat appointment.

You need to get a Jawazat appointment from Absher with the option “Resident Services” to enter the passport office.

• Jeddah: Jawazat Rehab.
• Riyadh: Jawazat King Fahad Road.

Step 2: Visit Jawazat.

Once you have all the above-mentioned required documents, go to the Jawazat office in your city which deals with family matters. 

Submit all your documents on the prescribed window, the Jawazat officer will verify them and request the cancellation of the Family Visit Visa on your child’s passport.

Step 3: Second Visit Jawazat.

After almost one week of submitting the passports, visit the same Jawazat office again to check if your request has been accepted. He will ask you to pay dependent levy fee.

Step 4: Pay the dependent fee.

If the request is accepted,  pay the dependent fee  up to your iqama expiry date for all your children.

Step 5: Convert Family Visit Visa

Go back to the same window with the payment proof, the Jawazat officer will convert the family visit visa to Iqama or a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia and issue you the following document.

Step 6: Print the Iqama ID.

Now take this paper to the window where iqama is printed, the officer will immediately print the iqama card.

That’s it you have successfully converted your family visit visa into a permanent family visa.

Source:  Saudi Gazzette

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• Family Visit Visa

How to apply family visit visa in Saudi Arabia?

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Expats with any Iqama profession can apply for a family visit visa and bring their family to KSA. In this article, we have explained the updated process to apply for a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Who is eligible for a family visit visa?

The family visit visa can be applied for only the following people in Saudi Arabia. While relation 1-4 listed below is approved for everyone, relation 5-9 would be approved only if you have a good Iqama profession.

• Wife/Husband.
• Parents-in-Law.
• Grand Parents.
• Brother and his family (wife and children).
• Sister and her family (husband and children).
• Sister-in-Law (sister of the spouse). 
• Brother-in-Law (brother of the spouse). 

Requirements for the visa

You need the following documents to apply for the family visit visa;

• Applicant’s passport.
• Saudi visa of the Iqama holder person applying for the visa.
• 3 months of Iqama validity.
• No need to be physically present in KSA to apply.
• Activate Nafath app.

Now expatriates with any Iqama profession including labor and house drivers can also apply for a family visit visa.

Step 01: Log in to Nafath

In order to fill out the application for a family visit visa;

• Open this website https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/
• Click on the “ Login ” button.
• Enter your Iqama Number .
• Approve the Nafath access .

Step 02: Fill out the application

On the next page, you will be given many options out of which you need to select;

• Family Visit Visa Application for Residents .

On the first page of the Saudi family visit visa application, the system will fetch your details while you need to enter;

• Saudi Visa Number is written on the work visa stamped on your passport when entering Saudi Arabia. In case you were born in KSA, you can leave the field blank.
• Click on the “ Add ” button.

Personal Details

On the next page, you need to enter the personal details of the family visit visa applicant such as;

• Name as per passport in ENGLISH ONLY .
• Fill out the rest of the application in Arabic .
• Enter Birth Date .
• Enter Birth Place .
• Select Gender .
• Occupational Status: Unemployed .
• Enter Mobile Number .
• Select Religion.
• Enter Relationship. Select Others if you want to apply for a family visit visa for someone else, such as a Brother or Sister.

Recently, many family visit visa applications have been rejected with the message “ نأمل تعبئة طلب جديد مع تدوين المهنة بشكل دقيق في خانة ( المهنة)، أطيب تحياتنا .” which means that the profession selected is inaccurate.

However, there is no profession of housewife, child, or retired in the list of professions provided above. We believe that this is a short glitch and soon the Saudi government will start to accept “Unemployed” profession.

Passport Details

Scroll down a little bit on the same page and enter the passport details of the applicant such as;

• Passport Number.
• Passport Type: Normal .
• Passport Issue Date.
• Passport Expiry Date.
• Passport Issue Place: The country of the passport holder.

Type of Visa

Now scroll down a little further and select the type of family visit visa you want to apply for in Saudi Arabia;

• The single-entry visit visa is issued for a period of 30 days only with 8 possible extensions of 30 days each i.e. 270 days.
• The multiple-entry visit visa is issued for a period of 90 days only which cannot be extended anymore.
• How to check Visit Visa validity in KSA?
• Coming from : The Embassy from where you want to stamp the visa.

If you want to apply for a family visit visa for more than one family member, click on the “ Add ” button again to enter the details of the second applicant who wants to come to KSA. Otherwise,

• Check “ Agreement Approval “.
• Click on the “ Save ” button.

Once done, the MOFA system will generate an application number. 

• Save the application number for future use.
• Print the application for further processing.

Step 03: Submit the application

In the next step, you need to submit the application to your employer to sign and stamp it.

• Private Employees: After this, the HR of your company will submit the application to the chamber of commerce of the same city mentioned in the address above.
• Government Employees:  The government employees will submit the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Domestic Workers:  The employer of the domestic workers will approve the visa through his Absher account. They don’t have to submit it anywhere.

Step 04: Check Visit Visa Application Status

Now keep on checking the family visit visa status from the MOFA website. As soon as the family visit visa is approved, send it to the country from where your family wants to enter KSA. https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/

In some cases, the MOFA requests some additional documents from the Iqama holder before approving the visa. If this is the case, you need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the required documents.

Step 05: Submit the application to the Saudi Embassy

Your family will contact an agent to submit the application to the Saudi Embassy or Saudi Consulate. In Pakistan, your family will have to book an appointment with Etimad.

At this point, you need to pay the fee for the family visit visa to your agent. Here is an approximate breakup of the fee;

• Visa Fee: SR 300.
• Insurance: SR 100.
• Other Charges: SR 500.
• Total Fee: SR 800 approx.

Make sure the application is submitted to the Saudi Embassy within the family visit visa validity .

Step 06: Check Saudi Visa Status

After submitting your passport to the embassy, you can check the Saudi Visa status with the passport number online.

If the visa is stamped, you need to book a return ticket for the family visit visa holder. Saudi authorities have the right to deport a visit visa holder if he does not have a return ticket.

Family Visit Visa through Istiqdam

In some cases, you might have to apply for a family visit visa through Istiqdam. Here is how you need to proceed;

Required Documents

• Get the appointment from Istiqdam.
• Download the family visit visa application form, fill it in Arabic, and get it attested by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Introduction letter issued by the employer and stamped by the chamber of commerce.
• Copy of marriage certificate if you are applying for in-laws.
• Copy of Iqama and Passport.

Visit the Istiqdam office

• Submit all the documents to the Istiqdam office and get Green and White paper from them.
• After this fill the application online following the guidelines given above. Here is the link https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Services/citizens

Visit the MOFA

The last step is to visit the MOFA with a print of your online application along with the paper given to you by the Istiqdam. 

Once the documents are submitted, you can check the status of the approval of the application online.

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The Complete Guide to the NEW Saudi Family Visit Visa

Recently, I invited my father to visit us in Saudi Arabia, but after asking people about it, I realized that the procedure to obtain a Family Visit Visa has changed so much that I had little idea how to apply for it. So, I decided to some research and went to speak to the experts at the local Saudi passport office in order to get acquainted.

What is a Saudi Family Visit Visa? A visit visa is intended for immediate family members based outside Saudi Arabia allowing them to visit their loved ones who are normally resident in the kingdom. Two visit visa options are available; Single entry or Multiple entry. The first is for up to 30 days ONLY and is not renewable. The second is for up to 90 days ONLY. Then, the family visitor must leave and can reenter the kingdom for a further 3 months, up to 4 times.

The Saudi visa application system was recently upgraded and streamlined. This means that all visas including the Family Visit Visa are now processed online, from start to finish. 

The Application Process- 6 Main Steps

The following shows the 6 main steps required to obtain the Family Visit Visa . These 6 steps are explained in a bit more detail in the article:

Step 2. Iqama Holder Takes the Form to Sponsor to Sign and Stamp and if needed to the local Chamber of Commerce

Step 5. Visitor Submits Passport & Documents To Local Agency Dealing With Saudi Embassy

Step 6. Visitor Collects Passport/Documents plus Issued Family Visit Visa From the Saudi Embassy             

How much does a Saudi Family Visit Visa cost?

The application process for the Family Visit Visa involves both:

• Sponsor -The Iqama Holder Normally Resident In Saudi Arabia. 
• The Visiting Family Membe r ( s )- Normally Resident In The Home Country. 

The Iqama holder’s dependents cannot themselves apply for a visit visa application using their own Iqamas.  

What Are The Conditions For Use Of The Family Visit Visa?

NOTE : With a Single Entry Family Visit Visa, the visitor (s) can stay for up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia, but it must be used WITHIN 3 months of the issue date in the passport.

Note: For a Multiple Family Visit Visa, the visitor (s) can come and go to Saudi Arabia every three months up to 1 year. Family visitors must leave the kingdom on or before 3 months expires. It should be used WITHIN 1 year of the issue date in the passport.

Who is Eligible for the Family Visit Visa? 

The following are the eligible categories: 

First Line Relatives

• Wife/Husband
• Father/Mother
• Father in Law/Mother in Law
• Orphans (discretionary)
• Brothers/Sisters of foreign wives/husbands married to Saudis

Who is NOT eligible for a Family Visit Visa?

The following categories are not eligible for a Family Visit Visa. 

Distant Relatives

• Aunts/Uncles etc
• Nieces/Nephews
• Grandparents

The Resident Iqama Holder Applies For Family Visit Visa at MOFA Online and Prints a Completed Form

Documents required BEFORE applying:

• Resident Iqama Holder’s Valid Residency Permit i.e. the Iqama
• The Iqama With At least 4 month’s Validity 
• Copy of The Applicant (s) Passport-i.e. Visiting Family Member (s)
• Valid Profession of Iqama Holder

The application procedure for the family visit visa begins at the gateway to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal. Click here for the MOFA homepage.

• First, choose and click on E-Services
• Click on Residents
• Select Family Visit Visa
• Read the Service Details
• Click on Start The Service
• Choose Individuals
• Then, select Resident 
• Click I Agree if you agree to visa terms and conditions
• Enter Iqama Holder’s Residency Number (Iqama Number)
• Select Single or Multiple Entry
• Print the Form

Iqama Holder Takes the Completed Form to His/Her Sponsor to Sign and Stamp And If Needed to The Chamber of Commerce for Attestation

The sponsor then signs and stamps the document. If required for private company workers, the Saudi Chamber of Commerce can also attest it. Go there, pay 35 SR and get a printout.

Iqama Holder Checks His/Her MOFA Account To Confirm Acceptance And Sends Completed Form/Visa Number To Intending Visitor

• Select Application
• Enter Application Number
• Enter Iqama Number
• Enter Image Code
• Click Enquire
• Check Family Visit Visa Status

If yes, the Iqama holder sends a scanned copy of the completed, signed and stamped application form to the family member who is applying for the Family Visit Visa in his/her home country.

If it’s not ready, just wait. If it’s rejected, try again!

Iqama Holder/Visiting Family Member Registers, & Pays for Family Visit Visa at the Enjazat Website

For this you need:

• The Application Number
• Intending Visitor Passport Number and Applicant’s Bio Data
• MasterCard or Visa
• Intending Visitor Passport Size Photo

Family Member Visitor Submits Documents To Local Visa Agency Dealing With The Local Saudi Embassy/Consulate

There will be a local Visa Agency in your country who charges you to submit your passport and documents to the Saudi Embassy to complete the process of issuing the Family Visit Visa.

In some cases, you can do it yourself to avoid the agency fee. Embassy staff may allow you to submit your passport and documents personally at the Saudi Embassy. It has worked before for some people! Try your luck!

A list of visa application agencies is with the Embassy perhaps even on their websites.

Documents Required For the Applicant:

• Abshir Paper And Date Of Iqama Expiry
• Print out of Family Visit Visa
• Valid International Passport (Minimum 7 months validity remaining)
• Copy Of Sponsor’s Passport With 6 months validity
• Copy of Sponsor’s and Wife’s/Husband’s Passport
• Copy of Sponsor’s AND/OR Wife/Husband’s Residency Permit, the Iqama
• 4 passport size photos
• Certified Sponsor’s Marriage Certificate IF Applicant (s) is an In-laws (Attested by MOFA + One Copy)
• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Of Son/ Daughter if Applicants (s) is an In-Laws (Attested by MOFA + One Copy) 
• Original B Form (Attested By MOFA And One Copy)
• Certified Copy of National ID Card of Applicant 
• Family Book If Necessary
• Certificate of Unmarried Female Above 18 years of Age (if required)

First, get your proof documents stamped and attested. Check how to do that in your country.

After compiling all the correct documents and checking your passport validity you can pay the agency fee and deposit your passport and documents at the Visa Agency.

The Saudi Embassy says the Family Visit Visa will be ready in up to 3 days under normal circumstances. Delays will involve requests for additional documents and/or checks

Visitor Collects Passport/Documents plus Issued Family Visit Visa From the Saudi Embassy 

The local visa agency you are dealing with will arrange an appointment for you to come to collect your passport with issued Family Visit Visa and the documents. It can take up to 3 days or more depending on each individual case. They can also deliver it to you by post.       

Family Visit Visa renewals, Insurance, and Penalties for Overstaying

Can you extend a saudi single entry family visit visa.

No, it is only valid for 30 days. On or before the 30 days have expired your visitor must return to his/her home country and begin the whole Family Visit Visa application process from scratch. 

Can you extend a Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa?

No! For either the Single of Multiple Family Visit Visas , the visitor can only stay a total of 3 months after which they have to leave the kingdom.

However, multiple visit visa allows visitors to reenter Saudi Arabia using the same visa for up to 3 times, but not exceeding 1 year.

How do you check the status of your Family Visit Visa Insurance?

• Application Reference Number (Family Visit Visa)
• Sponsor’s Iqama Number 
• Captcha Code

The status of the visit visa status will be shown to you.  

Do You Need Health Insurance For A Family Visit Visa?

Health Insurance is required for a Single and Multiple Entry Family Visit Visas. For the second , it can be extended. The cost of the visa insurance depends on age, sex and medical background of the applicant. Currently, the prices are between 30 SR and 100 SR.

Who Provides Health Insurance For A Saudi Family Visit Visa?

There are a limited number of insurance companies authorized by the Ministry of the Interior to sell health insurance for the purposes of a Family Visit Visa .

They are:  

• BUPA Arabia
• Arabian Shield
• AXA Cooperative
• Allied Cooperative
• Saudi United Cooperative

Compare insurance company offers before you buy the Family Visit Visa insurance to get the best offer.

What does a Family Visit Visa health insurance cover?

It is travel insurance that only covers treatment for emergency cases. You can use it in the case of emergencies, traffic accidents, repatriation after death, dental, dialysis, problems of pregnancy and injuries through accidents, etc. However, the costs of childbirth must be met by the family visit visa holder. 

Costs are covered for expenses up to a maximum of 100,00 SR. Policy limits are set in the contracts for cases of hospitalization, room, doctor and nursing services, and life support limited to 600 SR per day. Medication is NOT included in the policy. Conditions are given in each individual the insurance policy.  

Treatments Covered

Treatments not covered , how much does health insurance cost for a saudi family visit visa.

There is a criterion for insurance costs depending on the age, sex and medical background of the visitor applicant. Currently, the prices are between 30 SR and 100 SR.

How do you apply for the Saudi Family Visit Visa health insurance cover?

You apply online for travel insurance for the Family Visit Visa to any one of the Health Insurance providers on the list authorized by the Ministry of the Interior. Click on the following links to compare quotes for the Saudi Family Visit Visa. 

How Do You Register with Your Choice of Insurance Company ?

For complete details of how to apply for Health Insurance for the Family Visit Visa at your choice of insurance companies and for useful application tips click through to the following link.

• Enter Your Personal Details
• Enter Visitor Passport Holder Number
• Enter Family Visit Visa Holder Number 
• Enter the Border Number in Passport
• Pay the Fee

Your Family Visit Visa Insurance will be issued to you! If later you wish to extend the coverage for a Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa you can log in again to the Insurance company website and click through to process the visit visa extension.  

How do you check for Medical Insurance Validity for a Saudi Family Visit Visa?

This is how you do it.

• Choose Inquire About Visitor Insurance
• Then click Service Link
• Enter Visitor Passport Number & Captcha Code

What happens if you overstay on a Family Visit Visa?

Overstaying your  Family Visit Visa is a serious matter. If you fail to extend your  Family Visit Visa or if you remain in Saudi Arabia after your final extension has expired, the ministerial authorities will impose harsh penalties.

• Imprisonment in Detention Centre
• Deportation 
• Pay expenses for repatriation
• Possible Ban on reentering Saudi Arabia 

Overstaying your Family Visit Visa can easily be avoided by allowing time for delayed or canceled return flights out of the kingdom. Plan to leave the kingdom a few days before the expiration date of the Family Visit Visa. If this is not possible and you have to stay longer, then you should renew the Visit Visa as soon as possible. 

Related Questions

Does everyone need to have medical Insurance to visit Saudi Arabia? No, people coming for Hajj & Umrah, people on Diplomatic visas and Diplomatic mission do not need to apply for the mandatory visit visa health insurance. 

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia's government banned visit visa holders and tourists from performing the Hajj pilgrimage and entering Makkah from May 23 to June 21. To be allowed to perform the pilgrimage, a person must get a Saudi Hajj visa or obtain a Hajj permit.

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"Visitors have been urged not to visit the city during this period [from Thursday, May 23 to Friday, June 21] or stay there without a Hajj permit during this time. Those who violate this will have strict action taken against them," the Khaleej Times reported.

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Spain's Golden Visa: your questions answered

Spain's Golden Visa has been a major attraction for foreign investors for years, offering them the opportunity to obtain residency in the country in exchange for a significant investment.

However, its future is now in question, with the government announcing it is to be withdrawn a few days ago. The scheme, which has been the subject of debate both regarding how effective it has been in boosting the economy, and its social and political implications, generating a range of conflicting views.

We tell you exactly what the Golden Visa is, how it works and the reasons why it will soon disappear.

What is the Golden Visa in Spain?

How do golden visas work, how to get a golden visa in spain.

• Why are they going to withdraw the Golden Visa in Spain?

What countries have the Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a special type of residence permit created for foreign nationals who make a considerable investment in Spain, for example, by purchasing luxury real estate .

This visa allows them to live and work in Spain for an initial period of three years, with the option to renew it for a further five years, as long as they continue with their original investment.

Besides other benefits, this visa allows free movement within the Schengen area and the chance to obtain Spanish nationality after effectively residing in the country for a certain period.

The Golden Visa's main purpose is to attract foreign investment, boost entrepreneurship and contribute to Spain's economic development.

Some of the key benefits include being able to reside legally in Spain, work in the country, access public services, and freedom of movement within the Schengen area, as mentioned above.

In addition, the Golden Visa provides investors with the chance to diversify their investment portfolio, obtain a second residence in a European country and, in some cases, make it easier to obtain Spanish citizenship.

This scheme also benefits the Spanish economy by attracting foreign capital that can be allocated to key sectors such as real estate, tourism, technological innovation and job creation.

This visa is intended for non-Spanish nationals who wish to make a significant investment in Spain and obtain a residence permit as a result. Applicants must meet certain investment requirements and criteria established by Spanish law. Investors who can apply for the Golden Visa must:

• Purchase real estate in Spain for a minimum value of €500,000
• Invest in shares or holdings in Spanish companies for a minimum value of €1 million
• Invest in Spanish public debt for a minimum value of at least €2 million

Investors who set up companies in Spain and meet job creation and wealth generation criteria are also eligible. Moreover, investors' family members may also be eligible to apply for the Golden Visa as dependents of the primary applicant. It is important to note that Golden Visa applicants must meet certain requirements:

• Have a valid passport
• Have a criminal record certificate
• Not being prohibited from entering Spain or the European Union
• Have health insurance and sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families during their stay in Spain
• Make a significant investment in Spain with the characteristics mentioned above

The Golden Visa is valid for one year and once this period has passed, the investor must apply for a residence permit to continue residing and working legally in Spain.

Why are Golden Visas being withdrawn in Spain?

At the beginning of April 2024, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, announced the end of golden visas  through home purchases. This measure, as Sánchez explained, aims to "guarantee that housing is a right and not a mere object of business speculation."

The Golden Visas , the socialist leader continued, have been granted above all in areas where the property market is under great pressure and this makes it "almost impossible to find decent housing for those who live and work in those areas and pay their taxes every day".

"This is not the country model we need, that of speculative investment in housing, because it is a model that leads us to disaster and above all it leads us to a crippling inequality as a result of many young people and families not being able to afford housing," said the president.

In short, Golden Visa withdrawal responds to the government's attempt to redirect housing and residency policy towards a more equitable and social approach. The measure aims to ensure that housing is an accessible right for all, not just a privilege for those with purchasing power.

In the European Union, only four countries currently have similar schemes: Spain, Malta, Greece and Italy.

The trend is therefore gradually moving towards phasing them out. Countries such as the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Austria have either scrapped or announced that their Golden Visas will be phased out due to concerns about security, transparency and possible abuses.

However, outside the EU, other countries offer similar schemes, such as Australia, Singapore, the United States, Thailand and Canada.

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Uae visa pre-approval simplified: options for indian travelers explained.

Indian travellers can obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE by holding a US green card or a residence visa from the UK or any EU country. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) offers a pre-approval service to streamline immigration procedures. To apply, individuals can visit the GDRFAD website, log in with their UAE Pass or online account details, and complete the application form under "Port services."

What is UAE's Golden Visa that was recently granted to legendary actor Rajinikanth?

• Go to the GDRFAD website at gdrfad.gov.ae and sign in using your UAE Pass or online account details.
• Click on "All services" and then choose "Port services".
• Select "Issuing visa via land, seaport, or airport" and then choose "Visa on arrival for citizens of India residing in (America, Britain, and European Union countries)".
• Complete the form with your personal information and trip details, such as your accommodation details.
• Choose the type of visa you have, such as EU residency or US green card.
• Attach the necessary documents to support your application, including copies of your passport and visa.
• Pay the application fee and submit your request.

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Saudi authorities have warned visit visa holders to refrain from entering Makkah until the 21st of the next month amidst the Hajj season.

Radio Pakistan’s Correspondent Bilal Khan Mehsud reports from Makkah that the Saudi Interior Ministry has stated that visit visas do not entitle holders to perform Hajj.

Pakistani visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with visit visas are urged to avoid travel to Makkah during the designated period, as violators will be subject to hefty penalties.

This is part of the security and organizational measures being taken by the Interior Ministry to ensure the safety of legal pilgrims and facilitate their rituals with ease and comfort.

The ministry also announced fines amounting to 10,000 Saudi Riyals for violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors caught entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from the 2nd to the 20th of the next month.

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Eid Al Adha holidays 2024: Seven countries offering eVisa to UAE residents of all nationalities

Living in uae.

A detailed guide on the visa fees, and application requirements for each country.

Dubai: If you are a UAE resident planning to travel internationally for the Eid Al Adha break, what are your options if you do not want to go through a lengthy visa process? As long as you have a valid UAE residence visa and passport, you can get an eVisa for Saudi Arabia, Japan, Azerbaijan, Oman, Qatar, Albania, and Madagascar within a few days.

Applying for an eVisa is much easier because you can complete the process online within a few minutes  and do not have to physically go to the country’s consulate for the visa application or go through a third-party agent, either.

Here are the details:

1. Saudi Arabia GCC eVisa

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents of all professions can apply for a Saudi eVisa online and stay in the country for up to 90 days .

With this eVisa, you can explore the country, visit family and friends and perform Umrah anytime during the year, except during the Hajj season.

UAE residents must have a valid residency permit of three months and a passport with a validity of at least six months. You can apply through the official online visa platform - ksavisa.sa

eVisa validity

According to Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website – visitsaudi.com – the duration of stay depends on the type of visa you apply for:

• The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and you can stay in Saudi Arabia for 90 days.

How much does the visa cost?

The e-visa for GCC residents costs approximately Dh297.48, excluding the cost of health insurance.   The total cost will vary depending on the health insurance coverage you select.

For a more detailed guide on the Saudi eVisa application process and eligibility criteria, read our article here .

2. Japan eVisa

Applying for a visa for Japan is also a lot easier for UAE residents now, as they can apply for a 90-day eVisa , following an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2023

As per the announcement all foreign nationals who reside in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can apply for a short-term tourist visa online through Japan’s official eVisa platform - www.evisa.mofa.go.jp.

Before you apply for the eVisa, you must make sure you have a valid passport, Emirates ID and UAE residence visa.

eVisa duration and validity

• Duration: A short-term visa for tourism is for 90 days , as per Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. • Validity: The eVisa is valid for three months from the day after the date the visa is issued.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa issuance fee is 3,000 yen (approximately Dh82) , but certain nationalities are exempt from paying a visa fee or can pay a reduced fee.

As per the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai, there are over 30 countries exempt from paying visa fees. You can find the complete list here: https://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/visa_fee_eng.html

Here is a breakdown of the visa fee, as per the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai:

• General cost: Dh80 • For Indian nationals: Dh20 • Free for certain nationalities

3. Azerbaijan eVisa or visa on arrival

UAE residents planning to travel to Azerbaijan can either get a visa on arrival stamped on their passport when they land in the country, or apply for an eVisa in advance. You can stay in the country for up to 30 days on either of these visas.

Recently, Gulf News spoke to Haris Bashir, a travel consultant at Dubai-based travel agency, Chinnar Travels, who explained that the advantage of applying for an eVisa was lesser time spent at the airport, once you land.

“If you are choosing a visa on arrival, you would need to scan your passport at the smart machines that have been installed at the airport, and enter your trip details, to get the visa on arrival. If you have an eVisa, you can directly go to the immigration counter,” he said.

The cost for both of these visa options is Dh140 .

You can apply for the eVisa through Azerbaijan’s official online visa portal - evisa.gov.az and the visa is issued within three days.

4. Oman eVisa for GCC residents of approved professions

If you are a UAE-based expatriate planning to travel to Oman, you can apply for an eVisa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days .

The ‘GCC Resident Visa’ issued by Royal Oman Police (ROP), is an unsponsored visit visa, which GCC residents can apply for through Oman’s official eVisa platform - evisa.rop.gov.om

Only professions approved by the ROP are allowed to apply for the online visa. There are over 30 professions eligible for the eVisa. If your occupation is not eligible for eVisa, then you must apply for a sponsored tourist visa from an authorised travel agency.

The cost of a 30-day visit visa for GCC residents is Omani Rial 5 (Dh47.50) .

To find out if your profession is eligible for the eVisa, click here .

5. Qatar eVisa for GCC residents

Recently, Qatar announced that GCC residents of all professions can apply for a 'GCC Resident Visa' on the new Hayya Portal - www.hayya.qa and stay in the country for up to 30 days .

To be eligible for the visa you should have a valid UAE or GCC valid residency of a minimum of three months, from the date of arrival in Qatar and your job title must match the profession stated in the residence visa.

The visa fee is around  QAR100 (Dh100.49) . It has to be paid after your visa is approved. The fee is non-refundable.

6. Albania eVisa

The eVisa for Albania is for all nationalities, and it allows holders to stay for up to 90 days in the country. The application process is entirely online, which means you do not have to visit the consulate in person or apply through a third-party agent.

UAE residents must apply for the visa online through Albania’s official eVisa platform - e-visa.al, and fill out the application form for a ‘Short Stay Visa’ or ‘Type C’.

According to e-visa.al, Golden Visa holders in the UAE can get visa on arrival for Albania. "Foreign citizens who have a 10 year residence permit issued by the competent authority of the United Arab Emirates, valid not less than one year from the moment of entry," according to e-visa.al . For an in-depth guide on the process, click here .

Depending on the type of visa, and duration, the cost can come to Dh300 to Dh700 . The cost can differentiate as per the application detail

The approval process for the visa can take up to 15 working days and in some cases it can take up to 30 working days .

7. Madagascar

All nationalities are eligible for an eVisa for Madagascar. You can register for the tourist visa online through the official eVisa platform for Madagascar - evisamada-mg.com.

According to the website, you can also get visa on arrival - Visitors can fill out the eVisa application at one of the visa countres located at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

Before you apply for the visa, you must have a passport with at least six months validity.

Visa validity and duration:

• Validity: The visa is valid for six months . • Duration: The visa is issued for 15, 30 or 60 days .

• 15 days: $10 (Dh63) • 30 days: $37 (Dh135) • 60 days: $45 (Dh165)

You need to visit the eVisa platform - evisamada-mg.com - and first set up an account using your email address and phone number. You will be sent a validation code to your email address, which you need to enter to complete the registration process.

Next, log in using your online credentials, and click on 'Apply for visa'. Select the details, like the duration of stay for which you need the visa and make the payment accordingly, using your credit or debit card.

Once the application is approved, you will be issued an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in three working days . You must print out the ETA or save it on your smart phone and provide it to border control upon your arrival.

While you may struggle with getting a direct flight to Madagascar, there are several option which include a layover in an African country, from where you can choose to travel to Madagascar.

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