Passport Requirements for Entry into Saudia Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudia Arabia is famous for its fragrances, dates, gold jewelry, and enlightening desert landscapes. The country has recently started promoting international tourism and has attracted a lot of foreigners who visit Saudi Arabia to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history which goes back to the medieval period. Saudi Arabia is a perfect tourist destination as it checks all the boxes on the list of travellers. Breathtaking landscapes, cultural uniqueness, adventure sports, well-preserved archeological sites, and modern cities with 5-star infrastructure combine to give a memorable tour of this deserted Kingdom.
This article is for you if Saudi Arabia is your next travel destination. Your passport is the most essential document for a foreign trip and there are certain guidelines provided by the embassy of Saudi Arabia to qualify your passport for a visa.
Basic Passport Requirements
Your passport is the Identification Document where the visa is stamped as well as your immigration. Following are the requirements for your passport stated by the government of Saudi Arabia to qualify for a visa.
Validity period: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the day you are planning to leave Saudi Arabia.
Blank pages: Your passport must have 2 consecutive blank pages.
Visa Types
Visa acts as the permission granted by a country allowing you to enter its borders. There are different types of visas. According to your purpose of visit, you shall apply for the appropriate visa.
Below are the most used visas to travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Tourist visa: This kind of visa is given to people who are visiting the country for a short period for tourism.
- Business visa: The business visa is for people whose purpose of visit is business-related. Typically it requires an invitation letter from the government of Saudi or a company established in Saudi Arabia.
- Work visa: The work visa is for people who have got a job in Saudi Arabia. This visa allows a longer duration of stay in the country and might need renewal after the given time period.
- Hajj/Umrah visa: This visa is for Muslims only. It allows them to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Madina. The hajj visa is only granted during the hajj period and restricted to only visiting the holy cities.
- Other visa types: Other less popular visas are diplomatic visas, student visas, etc.
Tips for Safeguarding Your Passport
It is important to have your passport while you are in Saudi Arabia or any other foreign country. Your passport is your proof of identity in another country and is the proof that you have entered the country's borders legally.
It is suggested to keep copies of your passport and visa with you in case you lose your passport. Keep your passport in a safe place to avoid misplacing it.
Travel Insurance
Although Saudi Arabia has not made travel insurance mandatory, it is a wise decision to get one before travelling abroad to safeguard yourself financially from unexpected events like losing your passport.
Taking travel insurance brings many benefits such as:
- Medical coverage: Saudi Arabia can be expensive for foreigners who require medical care. Travel insurance covers unexpected illnesses or accidents.
- Trip cancellation/interruption: In case you need to cancel or reschedule your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance protects your financial investments.
- Lost luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen or delayed, you get compensation from the insurer.
- Emergency evacuation: In case of a serious medical issue or political unrest, insurance can cover evacuation expenses.
- Liability coverage: Travel insurance provides protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
- Adventure activities: Some travel insurances cover injuries caused by involvement in adventure activities like desert safari, bungee jumping, etc.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you're covered allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected problems.
Conclusion
This article outlines the importance of a passport and the necessary requirements regarding the same to obtain a visa from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Your passport is a vital document while travelling as it is your identification document in a foreign land. For a Saudi visa, you need to have a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your planned stay in Saudi Arabia. Further, your passport must have 2 consecutive blank pages. Getting travel insurance for a visit to Saudi is not mandatory but is highly suggested as it safeguards you financially in case an unfortunate incident happens. Travel insurance provide covers for potential issues such as loss of passport, loss of baggage, sudden illness or injury, flight cancellation, etc.