The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a land brimming with cultural heritage, historical significance, and ambitious modern projects, is increasingly welcoming international visitors.1 For citizens of Portugal and Romania eager to explore the diverse landscapes and rich traditions of Saudi Arabia, understanding the specific Saudi visa requirements is the crucial first step in planning their journey. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Saudi visa process for both Portuguese and Romanian passport holders.
Saudi Visa for Portuguese Citizens
For Portuguese citizens considering a visit to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or other purposes, obtaining the correct Saudi visa is essential. Thanks to recent developments in Saudi Arabia's visa policies, the process has become more streamlined for many nationalities, including Portuguese citizens.2
Tourist Visa:
Portuguese citizens are eligible to apply for the Saudi tourist e-visa.3 This convenient online platform allows eligible nationalities to apply for a tourist visa remotely before their travel.4 The e-visa typically grants multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days per entry within a one-year validity period.5
To apply for the Saudi visa as a Portuguese citizen through the e-visa portal, the general requirements include:
A valid Portuguese passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.6
A digital passport-sized photograph.
A valid email address.7
A credit or debit card to facilitate the online payment of the visa fee.8
Mandatory health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. This is often integrated into the e-visa application process.
The online application process is usually user-friendly, requiring the completion of personal details, passport information, and travel plans.9 Upon submission and successful payment, the processing time for the e-visa is typically swift, often within 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, the e-visa will be sent to your provided email address, and you will need to print a copy to present upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.10
Other Visa Types:
For travel purposes beyond tourism, such as business, employment, or religious pilgrimages (Umrah and Hajj), Portuguese citizens will need to apply for the relevant visa category through the official Saudi visa portal or the Saudi embassy or consulate serving Portugal.11 These visa types typically require additional supporting documentation, such as a letter of invitation from a Saudi-based entity or proof of employment.12 The processing times and specific requirements will vary depending on the visa type.
Saudi Visa for Romanian Citizens
Similarly, for Romanian citizens planning a visit to Saudi Arabia, understanding the Saudi visa requirements is crucial. Romania is also among the nationalities eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa.13
Tourist Visa:
Romanian citizens can also apply for the Saudi tourist e-visa through the online platform.14 The terms and conditions for the tourist e-visa are generally the same as those for Portuguese citizens, offering multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days per entry within a one-year validity.
The application process for the Saudi visa as a Romanian citizen involves:
A valid Romanian passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.15
A digital passport-sized photograph.
A valid email address.
A credit or debit card for the online payment of the visa fee.16
Proof of mandatory health insurance covering your entire stay in Saudi Arabia, often obtained during the e-visa application.17
The online application process is similar to that for Portuguese citizens, requiring the input of personal and travel details.18 The processing time for the e-visa is typically short, often within a couple of business days.19 Once approved, the e-visa will be emailed to you and should be printed for presentation at the Saudi Arabian point of entry.20
Other Visa Types:
For Romanian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for purposes other than tourism, such as business, work, or religious pilgrimages, applying for the appropriate visa category through the official Saudi visa channels or the Saudi embassy in Bucharest is necessary. These applications will necessitate specific supporting documents relevant to the purpose of travel, and the processing times will vary depending on the visa type.
Important Considerations for Both Nationalities:
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay.
Official Portals: Always use the official Saudi government visa portals for e-visa applications.
Specific Requirements: Visa regulations can change, so it's crucial to check the latest information on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the Saudi embassy in your respective country before applying.
Respect Local Laws: Be mindful of and adhere to the local laws, customs, and traditions in Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, both Portuguese and Romanian citizens have convenient options for obtaining a Saudi visa for tourism through the efficient e-visa system.21 For other travel purposes, applying through the official Saudi visa channels or the respective embassies is required. By understanding these Saudi visa requirements and following the correct application procedures, citizens of both Portugal and Romania can look forward to experiencing the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia.