Saudi Arabia used to be one of the most difficult countries to visit in the middle east. Back in the day, being a deeply conservative country, Saudi Arabia did not issue tourist visas and would only allow business, migrant workers, and Muslims participating in Hajj pilgrims to enter the kingdom.
This has changed since Crown Prince Salman, announced the Saudi 2030 Vision. A 13 billion dollar government project that plans to open the country to tourists from all over the world. This project aims to boost and diversify the country’s economy and expects to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.
The Saudi Arabia government assures all interested travelers that anyone can apply and visit Saudi Arabia. In fact, some have the privilege of a visa on arrival. 49 selected countries will only have to wait at least 30 minutes for the E-Visa issuance, and for others, 1 or 2 days to a week.
Click here to know if your country is eligible for an E-Visa
If you are not a citizen of these countries, read through this article to know how to apply for a tourist visa in a Saudi Arabia Embassy or Authorized Visa Centers.
Requirements for Visa Application:
- Duly accomplished Saudi Arabia Visa Application Form
- Standard Digital ID Photo
- White background
- Face fully visible, head facing straight, and no shadows.
- The applicant should wear a collared shirt or business attire
- Hair neatly tied, both ears and eyebrows visible, and no colored contact lenses
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 pages clear of any markings
- Booked flight itinerary
- Confirmed hotel reservation
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Bank statements or other proof of financial means
- Vaccine Card/Booster Card and other health documents
Prepare all the documents required and submit them in person via the embassy or authorized visa centers. Saudi Embassy in Manila does not require appointments, but it’s best to come in early to get ahead of the queue. The application process via the Embassy or Consulate is relatively easy because you will be guided through the whole process inside by appointed personnel. You just have to come in and follow the lead of the ushers from start to finish. Once the visa application is approved, you will be notified via email of your schedule for the pick-up of your passport.
You also have the option to submit your requirements via authorized visa centers like VFS Tasheel. The process is practically the same, just prepare the documents ahead, schedule an appointment online via VFS Tasheel website, and submit the documents in person on your schedule. The visa center will process your application, and you can track the status on the website as well. Once approved, you will be notified via SMS or email once your passport is ready for pick up. They also offer courier delivery service for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions for Saudi Arabia Visa Applications:
••• Where is the Embassy of Saudi Arabia located in the Philippines?
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
128 H.V. Dela Costa Street Corner Sanchez Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Click here for the detailed instructions on
How to go to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
••• How to contact the Saudi Embassy?
You may contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the following channels:
Website: www.embassies.mofa.gov.sa
Email: phemb@mofa.gov.sa
Contact Number: (02) 8856 4444
••• What time is the Saudi Embassy open?
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Office Hours
Mondays to Fridays – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
••• Where is the VFS Tasheel Visa Center?
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- VFS Tasheel International – Manila
Dy International Building, San Marcelino
Corner Gen. Malvar Street, Malate, Manila - VFS Tasheel International – Cebu
Insular Square, North Road, Tabok, Mandaue City - VFS Tasheel International – Davao
1059 Emilio Jacinto Ext, Poblacion District, Davao City
- VFS Tasheel International – Manila
••• How to contact VFS Tasheel?
You may contact VFS Tasheel in the following channels:
Website: www.vfstasheel.com
Email: info.saudivscMNL@vfstasheel.com
••• What time is the VFS Tasheel open?
Mondays to Fridays
Application Submission – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Passport Collection – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
••• I am a Filipino, with a Valid US Visa, can I get a Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you are eligible to get a Visa on Arrival if you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen in your passport with at least 1 entry stamp.
••• What COVID Vaccine is recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Currently, the four vaccines currently recognized in the Kingdom are the following: Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Visitors who have a complete vaccine shot of other brands (ie: Sinovac, Sputnik, Covovax) are welcome if they have received booster shots of one of the four brands recognized by the Kingdom.
••• I am Fully Vaccinated but don’t have booster shots, can I enter KSA?
No, all visitors arriving in the country are required to have the complete vaccine doses recommended by the health authority. Make sure to get an additional dose of approved vaccines before traveling to Saudi Arabia to avoid issues upon entry.
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