Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Modifies Family Visitor Visa: A Thorough Guide for Locals

Published

1 day ago

2nd March 2025

Huda Az

Recent changes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s family visitor visa regulations have drawn the attention of many locals and foreigners who want to bring their families to visit them in the Kingdom.

The General Directorate of Passports and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that they would no longer grant visas for numerous family visits. This action took place to regulate visitor mobility and ensure compliance with current legal procedures.

The family visit policy has undergone a significant change as a result of this modification. The more specialised alternatives available have led many people to look for information about this decision and how it will affect their plans.

Brand-New Updates!

In the past, anyone who wanted to visit their first-degree relatives—such as their spouse, parents, and kids—was given the family visitor visa, which has a lengthy history in the Kingdom.

This visa has changed significantly over time to reflect governmental regulations as well as social and economic advancements.

Originally granted as a multiple visa, it permitted the visitor to enter and depart the Kingdom on several occasions throughout its validity period. Its terms were later improved to include stipulations such as the host’s residency being legitimate and the payment of certain fees.

Since the family visit visa is now only valid for a single stay for 30 days with no chance of renewal, the recent move to suspend multiple visas is the most notable.

Saudi Passports have clarified that those who obtained multiple family visit visas before the suspension announcement can use them until they expire under predetermined terms.

As per new applicants, the authorities have established stringent requirements for getting a family visit visa. These include the host’s passport having a minimum validity of six months and their domicile being legitimate and allocated for work purposes rather than a companion’s.

Moreover, the resident and the visitor must have a first-degree relationship and pay all necessary payments, whether for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa fees or Chamber of Commerce validation.

Millions of foreigners in the Kingdom, particularly those who don’t meet new requirements, face significant difficulties. This is due to the suspension of multiple-family visit visas and the limitation of single visas, which temporarily affects their ability to return to their families.

The decision covers personal and family trips, showcasing the extensive visa revisions, while aiming to balance visitor permissions with maintaining law and order.

Ways to Get a Visa Right Away

The e-visa website makes it quite easy to apply for a family visit visa at present, provided that the requirements are met.

After accessing the platform using the user’s details, the applicant’s status determines the application type—whether he is a resident, citizen, or Gulf Cooperation Council member.

Following that, visitors must supply personal information such as their name, ID number, address, and occupation, along with a formal commitment to provide housing and health insurance for them and to depart when their stay is over.

For some periods throughout the Hajj and Umrah seasons, these visas are not available; therefore, applicants must prepare ahead.

Notably, Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of visas, including those for tourism, medical care, business travel, the Hajj, and Umrah. Still, the most crucial visa for citizens who want to bring their loved ones is the family visit visa.

Some, however, can experience delays in its issuance for reasons including not paying fees and fines, submitting erroneous data, or lacking the necessary documentation.

Lastly, reviewing all requirements and supporting papers before application is always advisable to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Residents who want to take advantage of the family visitor visa should check the updated requirements and follow the instructions on the internet platform to guarantee a smooth application process.