South African Citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.1 2 The Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa allows travelers from eligible countries to enter the country for tourism or business purposes, including events, family visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) but excludes activities such as studying. This electronic visa can be applied online and is valid for multiple entries, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of the qualifying countries and possess a valid passport, email address, and a credit or debit card. Please note that studying is not covered by this e-visa, and it is essential to ensure all required documents and information are submitted accurately during the online application process.
Get your Saudi Arabia e-visa effortlessly through Visas for Future. This 90-day e-visa is the quickest and most convenient way to enter Saudi Arabia. Simply complete the online form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the applicable fee. Upon visa approval, you will receive an email notification, and your e-visa, along with mandatory health insurance, will be sent to your email in PDF format. Print or save your e-visa on your mobile device and present it along with your passport at the Saudi Arabian port of entry.
What We’re Offering
To travel to Saudi Arabia, you need to apply for your Saudi Arabia eVisa. Our eVisa processing service will give you your Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa and mandatory health insurance in your mailbox within three (3) days.
- 90-day duration.
- Multiple-entry.
- The fee is $214.82, including the government fee and the mandatory health insurance.
- Three days processing time.
- Form validation included.
- We plant a tree for every visa sold.
Why choose us
Our visa forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
We plant a tree!
What are the required documents to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa for South African Citizens?
The documents required for a Saudi Arabia e-visa are as follows:3
- A passport with at least 6-month validity.2
- Passport-size photo that meets the government guidelines.
- Details of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
- Flight itinerary.
- Health Insurance (to be purchased while ordering the eVisa).
- Financial proof.
How long is a Saudi tourist visa valid?
A Saudi tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.4
Cost of Saudi Arabia visa for South African citizens
The e-Visa for Saudi Arabia costs $214.82 including the Government fee and the mandatory health insurance.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
To obtain your Saudi Arabia e-visa, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Visas for Future website: Click the “Get Saudi Arabia e-visa Now” button under the Saudi Arabia e-visa section.
- Provide your personal information: Enter your full name, date of birth, contact number, and email address accurately.
- Choose your payment method and pay the fee: Select your preferred payment method (credit or debit card) and pay the $214.82 fee. This fee covers the government fee and the mandatory health insurance application fee.
- Complete the intake form: Carefully review and answer all questions on the intake form. This may include questions about your travel plans and accommodation preferences.
- Upload required documents: Scan and upload the following mandatory documents: visa (if applicable) and passport photo.
- Review and submit your application: Before submitting, thoroughly review your personal information, intake form answers, and uploaded documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, click the “Submit” button to finalize your application.
By following these steps, you can easily and quickly obtain your Saudi Arabia e-visa.
How long does it take for a Saudi Tourist Visa to be Approved?
Getting a Saudi tourist visa is a simple process. The processing time only takes three (3) days from the date of application unless we need additional information.
What are the available types of Saudi Arabia visas for South African Citizens?
Tourist Visa:
- Purpose: Leisure travel, sightseeing, cultural exploration, and family visits.
- Duration: Up to 90 days within a one-year validity period.
- Application: Online through the Visas for Future.
Business Visa:
- Purpose: Business-related activities, attending conferences, negotiating contracts, exploring investment opportunities.
- Duration: Typically up to 28 days.
- Application: Through the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at Saudi Arabian embassies and consulates.
Umrah Visa:
- Purpose: Performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia (specifically for South African Muslims).
- Duration: 30 days.
- Application: Online through the Saudi Arabian e-Visa portal or at Saudi Arabian embassies and consulates.
Work Visa:
- Purpose: Employment in Saudi Arabia.
- Duration: Varies depending on the employment contract.
- Requirements: Sponsorship by a Saudi Arabian employer.
Student Visa:
- Purpose: Attending an educational institution in Saudi Arabia.
- Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program.
- Application: Through the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education or at Saudi Arabian embassies and consulates.
Transit Visa:
- Purpose: Passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination.
- Duration: Typically up to 24 hours.
- Application: Online through the Saudi Arabian e-Visa portal or at Saudi Arabian airports upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Saudi tourist visa to be approved?
The processing time for a Saudi tourist visa typically takes 3 business days from the date of application submission.
Can South African citizens get Saudi visa on arrival?
Yes, South African citizens can get a Saudi visa on arrival.
- Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Visa.visitsaudi.com. Retrieved December 3, 2023, from https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Home/TermsConditions [↩]
- Entry requirements – Saudi Arabia travel advice. (n.d.). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements [↩] [↩]
- Tourist Visa | The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2023). Www.saudiembassy.net. https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa [↩]
- Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2023). Visa.visitsaudi.com; Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia . https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ [↩]
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia for South African Citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/tourist-visa-to-saudi-arabia-from-south-africa/. Accessed on 22 August 2023.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia for South African Citizens." Visas For Future. August 22, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/tourist-visa-to-saudi-arabia-from-south-africa/.