Saudi Arabia multiple-entry eVisa for GCC expats 2025: Application process, costs, all you need to know

Saudi Arabia has streamlined its visa process, making it significantly easier for expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, to visit the Kingdom for a variety of purposes. Eligible residents can now apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry electronic visa (eVisa) through the official unified visa platform.

This visa permits repeated visits within the year and supports a wide range of travel purposes, including tourism, business, visiting friends and family, and performing Umrah (excluding the Hajj season). Whether you're planning a cultural getaway, a professional trip, or a personal visit, this guide outlines everything you need to know, from visa types and eligibility requirements to application steps, documents, and fees.

1. Visa Types, Validity, and Duration of Stay
Saudi Arabia currently offers two types of eVisas for GCC residents:

• Single-entry eVisa
  
  
  • Valid for 90 days
    
    
  • Allows one-time entry and stay of up to 90 days
    
    
• Multiple-entry eVisa
  
  
  • Valid for one year
    
    
  • Allows multiple entries during the year
    
    
  • Maximum duration per stay: 90 days
    
    

These visas are issued through Saudi Arabia’s Unified National Visa Platform, accessible at ksavisa.sa.

The eVisa is ideal for a variety of travel purposes:

• Tourism and sightseeing
  
  
• Visiting friends and relatives
  
  
• Performing Umrah (note: not valid during Hajj season)
  
  
• Business visits
  
  

2. Eligibility and Required Documents for UAE Residents
Who is eligible?
To apply for the Saudi eVisa as a UAE resident, you must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid UAE residency visa with at least three months of validity remaining
  
  
• Hold a passport valid for at least six months
  
  
• Be at least 18 years old if traveling independently. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  
  

Documents you will need:

• Passport copy (clear scan of the main ID page)
  
  
• UAE residence visa copy (you may upload a digital copy)
  
  
• Passport-sized photograph with a white background
  
  

Photo specifications:

• Dimensions: 35 x 45 mm
  
  
• Plain white background, clear image
  
  
• Face the camera directly, with a neutral expression (no smiling)
  
  
• Mouth must be closed, eyes open
  
  
• Proper lighting with no shadows on the face or background
  
  
• Format: PNG or JPEG
  
  
• Max file size: 5MB
  
  

3. How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa – Full Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Start at the Unified Visa Platform

• Go to ksavisa.sa
  
  
• Click on the “Visit” category on the homepage
  
  
• From the dropdowns, select the following:
  
  
  • Purpose of visit: Choose “Tourism”
    
    
  • Nationality: Select your nationality
    
    
  • Under “Do you have a valid residence in GCC?” select “Yes (valid for more than 3 months)”
    
    
• Click on “Show Eligible Visas”
  
  
• Choose “Electronic Visa (eVisa)”, then click “Apply Now”
  
  

Step 2: Enter Travel and Visa Details

• Nationality and GCC residency will be pre-filled
  
  
• Choose visa type: single-entry or multiple-entry
  
  
• Select:
  
  
  • Expected date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
    
    
  • Country of residence (UAE)
    
    
  • Nearest embassy (Abu Dhabi or Dubai)
    
    
• Optional: Enter transport mode and port of entry
  
  
• Click Next
  
  

Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
You’ll be asked to provide:

• Full name (exactly as shown in your passport)
  
  
• Mobile number
  
  
• Residential address in the UAE
  
  
• Gender and marital status
  
  
• Optional: Your occupation (if unemployed, you may select “I do not work at the moment”)
  
  
• Mandatory: Job title (leave blank only if marked as not working)
  
  
• Date of birth
  
  
• Optional: Purpose of visit (Umrah, tourism, visiting relatives)
  
  

Then, upload your passport-sized photo according to the specifications mentioned earlier.

Step 4: Upload Passport Details

• Upload a clear scan of your passport copy
  
  
• Enter:
  
  
  • Passport number
    
    
  • Passport type
    
    
  • Country of issuance
    
    
  • Place of birth
    
    
  • Issue date and expiry date
    
    
• Click Next
  
  

Step 5: Upload UAE Residency Visa Details

• Upload your UAE residency visa copy
  
  
• Enter:
  
  
  • UAE visa number
    
    
  • Visa expiry date
    
    
  • Emirate of residence
    
    
  • Full residential address
    
    

Step 6: Agree to Terms and Review Application

• Read and accept the terms and conditions
  
  
• Carefully review all the details you’ve entered
  
  
• Click Next to proceed
  
  

Step 7: Select Medical Insurance

• You will need to answer a few health-related questions
  
  
• Then, you’ll be shown a list of approved Saudi insurance providers
  
  
• Choose one; the insurance cost will be added to your total payment
  
  

Step 8: Make Payment

• Review the total charges (visa fee + application fee + insurance)
  
  
• Click “Pay Now”
  
  
• Pay using a credit or debit card
  
  
• Once payment is successful, you will receive a transaction number to track your application
  
  

4. Visa Fees, Medical Insurance, and Processing Time

Cost Breakdown:

• Visa fee: $81 (Approx. Dh297.48)
  
  
• Application fee: $10.50 (Approx. Dh38.50)
  
  

Medical Insurance Fee:

This varies depending on the provider you choose. It typically ranges from:

• $7.50 (Dh27.54) to $252.04 (Dh925.65)
  
  

The insurance is mandatory and must be purchased as part of the application process.

How long does it take to receive the eVisa?

• In most cases, the eVisa is issued instantly for GCC residents
  
  
• However, it can take up to 3 working days
  
  
• Once approved, the visa will be sent to your registered email address
  
  

5. How to Track Your Application


After submitting your application, you can track its progress on the same website:

• Visit: ksavisa.sa
  
  
• Click on “Track Application”
  
  
• Enter your transaction number or passport number
  
  

If you have any questions about the status of your application, you can also contact the ksavisa.sa call centre - +966 920011114