Saudi Family Visit Visa: All the Information You Need

Introduction 

Are you planning to visit your family in Saudi Arabia? If so, you might have to submit a Saudi family visit visa application. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is in charge of issuing several visas, including the Saudi family visit visa. This thorough guide will help you through the requirements, eligibility, application process, costs, and other aspects of applying for a family visit visa.

What is a Family Visit Visa?

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues family visit visas to enable immediate family members of Saudi nationals or authorized residents to go to the Kingdom to see their relatives. Only first-degree relatives, such as parents, spouses, and kids, are eligible for this visa.

Saudi Family Visit Visa Requirements?

You must be a legal Saudi resident or citizen with a valid Iqama (residency permit) that is valid for at least 4 months in order to apply for a family visit visa. The Iqama holder is in charge of starting the application procedure on the visitor's behalf. Applying for a MOFA family visit visa requires the submission of the following documents:

• Copy of the sponsor Iqama holder's passport
• Valid International Passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months) for the applicant
• Copy of the Iqama or residency permit for the sponsor
• 4 passport-size photos of the applicant
• Apostilled copy of the National ID card of the applicant
• Marriage certificate (which may need to be apostilled)

Eligibility for a Saudi Family Visit Visa

Only immediate family members are eligible for a family visit visa. According to MOFA, the following people are eligible for a family visit visa:

• Parents/Children
• Father-in-law and Mother-in-law and Brother-in-law
• Husband or wife
• Brothers or sisters, along with their spouses and children

Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa Application Procedure

A family visit visa application in MOFA entails numerous processes. Below is a step-by-step instruction manual to assist you with the application process:

Step 1: Fill up the Application

1. Visit the MOFA website's Family Visit Visa Application for Residents portal.
2. In "Family Visit Visa Application for Citizens," select "Apply."
3. Use your Absher account's username (Iqama number) and password to access the MOFA website.
4. Enter the OTP that was delivered to your Absher account's registered mobile number.
5. In order to access the MOFA website, click on "Tracking."
6. In "Family Visit Visa Application for Residents," select "Apply."
7. Enter the necessary personal information and visit the goals. If you don't speak Arabic well, use Google Translate or ask someone for help.
8. Provide the passport and visa information for the applicant.
9. Make sure everything is correct, then save or print the application.

Step 2: Get the sponsor's or the chamber of commerce's approval.

The sponsor (Iqama holder), after completing the online application form, must sign and stamp the record. If necessary, the Saudi Chamber of Commerce can certify the application form for employees of private companies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should receive the form from government personnel. Without completing an application, domestic employees can have their visas approved through their Absher accounts.

Step 3: Send the Completed Form or Visa Number to the Visitor

It typically takes a week or less after the application form has been signed and stamped for the approval status to appear on the MOFA site. The family member requesting the MOFA Family Visit Visa from outside Saudi Arabia must get a scanned copy of the completed form or the visa number from the sponsor. The traveler can then get in touch with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate that is closest to them to submit the necessary paperwork.

Saudi Family Visit Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Saudi family visit visa is generally between 4 and 5 days. However, factors such as a high volume of applications and the approval process may cause delays.

Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa Extension

90 days can be spent in the Kingdom with a visit visa that allows for one entry or multiple entries. This indicates that they can be extended twice for a total stay of 270 days. Absher can renew family visit visas as long as the cumulative number of extensions does not exceed six months (180 days), with the exception of Syrian nationals. It's crucial to remember that those with multiple-entry family visit visas must leave the nation after three months in order for the extension procedure to move forward. If you don't follow this condition, you risk paying a fine.

You must purchase medical insurance from authorized insurance firms in the Kingdom in order to extend your Saudi travel visa. Every Saudi Arabia visa extension costs SAR 100 (USD 26.59). A SAR 500 (USD 133) extra cost will be charged as a fine if you submit an application for an extension more than three days after the visa's expiration date.

Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa Fees

The cost of a MOFA Saudi Arabia family visit visa is set at SR 200 for both single-entry and multiple-entry applications. No matter the applicant's nationality, there is a cost..

Verifying the status of an application for a Saudi Arabia family visit visa

You can visit the MOFA website and take the following actions to find out the status of your application for a Saudi family visit visa:

1. Go to the MOFA website.
2. Change the inquiry type to 'issued invitation request'.
3. Provide your visa number and ID number (Iqama number).
4. Enter the Captcha code correctly.
5. Click on 'Search'.

If everything is input correctly, the status of your application for a Saudi family visit visa will be shown on the following page.

Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa Validity

Depending on the kind of visa, the MOFA Saudi Arabia family visit visa's validity duration may be as long as:

• Single Entry Visit Visa: Issued for a 30-day term with a total of five 30-day extensions possible (totaling 180 days).
• A visitor's visa with multiple entries is valid for 90 days and allows for up to four re-entries.

Renewing a Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa

A family visit visa with one entry can be extended up to five times. The Saudi family visit visa, which allows for multiple entries, can only be renewed once. Following the visa control system is crucial, as is leaving the Kingdom before the visa expires. Visit the nearby Jawazat office by scheduling an appointment online through the Absher platform to prolong or renew a Saudi family travel visa. To finish the application process, send in the necessary documents, attachments, and payment. A family visit visa extension costs SAR 100, and lingering past the visa's expiration date is punishable by a 25,000 Riyal fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a family visit visa if I don't live in or have citizenship in Saudi Arabia?

A: No, only legal Saudi residents or nationals are eligible to request a family visit visa on behalf of their direct relatives.

2. How long does it take to get a Saudi visa for family travel?

A: The processing time typically ranges from 4 to 5 days, although it may change depending on a number of variables.

3. Can I renew my family visit visa with multiple entries more than once?

A: No, those who have multiple-entry visas for family visits must leave the country after three months. If you don't comply, you can be fined.

4. How much does a visa for a Saudi family visit cost?

A: single-entry or multiple-entry family visit visa costs SR 200.

5. Can I track the progress of my online visa application for a Saudi family visit?

A: Yes, By entering your visa number and ID number on the MOFA website, you can check the status of your application.

6. Can I renew my visa for a multi-entry family visit?

A: The family visit visa with multiple entries cannot be renewed more than once. Before the visa expires, you must leave the Kingdom.

Conclusion

Last but not least, applying for a family visit visa to Saudi Arabia is a simple process. Be sure you are eligible and possess all necessary documentation. Keep in mind to verify the status of your application, be knowledgeable about the visa's validity, and understand how to extend it. You can have a pleasant and joyful visit with your family in Saudi Arabia by adhering to these rules.

Please be aware that the details in this post are based on the most recent regulations and could change. For the most recent details on Saudi family visit visas, it is advised to consult official sources or the appropriate authorities.