This article has been written with direct inputs from Pakistani citizen Sahil Khan who has been working and living in Saudi Arabia since 2015. His wife and daughter got the Saudi Family Visit Visa and visited him in Saudi Arabia multiple times.
There are many types of Saudi visas. A family Visit Visa or Mofa Family Visit Visa can be issued to an immediate family member of the legal residents or citizens of KSA. This is specifically meant for family members to be able to visit KSA and stay or spend time with their family.
There are two types of Mofa Family Visit Visa.
| Number of Entries | Duration | Validity |
| Single | 30 days | 3 months |
| Multiple | 90 days | 1 year |
Validity vs Duration of Saudi Visit Visas
I have been getting a lot of comments on this, so let me clarify. Not just the MOFA family visit visa, lots of visas in the world come with a validity period, and a duration.
Validity decides by when can you enter the country.Duration decides the duration the visa gives you can stay in the country before the validity expires.
So for example, let’s say the visa is stamped on Jan. 2020.
It has multiple entries and expires on 21-01-2022.
In this case, the visa holder can enter any day before 21-01-2022. But the duration starts when you enter. So if you enter on 10-02-2020, then that’s when the count starts.
Table of Contents
COVID Update: Stamping MOFA Family Visit Visa in Dubai for Indians
Since the Saudi embassy in India and many other countries is closed for visa stamping, Dubai has emerged as an option to get the stamping done. In order to get it done, you first and foremost need to get the visit visa approved.
And give Dubai as option or destination while applying for visa.Then check whether you need a visa for Dubai or not. If you are an Indian, go through the article on Dubai tourist visa from India to learn how to get a visa for Dubai. Since the quarantine requirement is for 14 days, get a 30-day UAE tourist visa, as arriving and departing dates are not counted in UAE.
No need for any residential ID.
Once you are in Dubai, you need to quarantine and do the PCR test as per the government requirements and then go for the Saudi visit visa stamping.
Check on the latest developments on this as this can change without any notice.
You need the following documents:
- Online visa
- Original Passport(Minimum Validity 6 Months) and old passports if any
- Photographs(6×4 And Background Should Be White)
- Sponsor’s passport copy
- Sponsor’s Iqama copy
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate
Once done, buy a flight ticket from Dubai to Saudi Arabia and leave.
Who can Get MOFA Family Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia?
A family visit visa is issued to immediate family members only. So if you are a legal Saudi resident or citizen, only the following people are eligible for a family visit visa.
- Parents
- Children
- Father-in-law and mother-in-law
- Husband or wife
- Brothers/Sisters of foreign wives/husbands married to Saudis
This means the following family members can’t get a Mofa family visit visa.
- Cousins
- Uncle/aunt
- Nieces/nephews
- Grand parents
If you ask me, grand parents should be considered immediate family members, but I digress. Maybe some day, that will change.
This article is written from the point of view of a legal resident of Saudi Arabia. The process is same if you are a citizen. The only difference will be that you would be filling in everything in Arabic and you won’t need an Iqama.
Can You Bring Wife’s Brother/Sister on Saudi Family Visit Visa
There has been a very recent announcement that now you can apply for a family visit visa for your brother, sister, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. So hopefully the option will soon be available online.
But it is not yet finalized. I will update the article when it is fully implemented.
Now, some expats swear that they have been able to apply under the “other” option and mentioned brother/sister there. But I can’t really assure you how true is that. So you can give that a shot or wait for the new rule to be implemented.
How to Apply Mofa Family Visit Visa?
A Saudi Family visit visa application is a process that involves separate processes for the family member living in Saudi Arabia and the applicant who is outside Saudi Arabia.
In order to get the family visit visa, an Iqama holder has to initiate the process in Saudi Arabia. The Iqama holder’s dependents cannot themselves apply for a visit visa application using their own Iqamas.
Various websites often open in Arabic. Try to see change the language to English by clicking on the option on the top left corner.
1. Apply For Family Visit Visa at MOFA Online
The resident Iqama holder has to submit an application for the family visit visa on behalf of the visitor. For this, the Iqama should be valid for at least 4 months.
In order to apply for Saudi family visit visa, the very first step would be to start the process on the official visa services platform.
On Visa Services Platform
Choose Individuals, and select your category. Note that if you select citizen, you would need to fill in the whole application in Arabic.
Select Resident and then click on the “Family Visit Visa Application for Residents”.
You will be forwarded to the application page. Click on “I agree”.
Enter Iqama Holder’s Residency Number (Iqama Number). You can apply for multiple visitors by adding different visitors in the same application
You need to fill in the personal details and visa details such as
- Visa Type: Single or Multiple Entry
- Border Number (Handwritten Number on Passport Stamped Pages)
- Sponsor Details: Address, City, Email and Mobile
- Visitor info: DOB, Passport number, Nationality, Religion
- Relationship with Visitor
Make sure to write your email correctly and your mobile number using 00966 & mobile number.
2. Get Approval from Sponsor/The Chamber of Commerce
Once the Saudi legal resident/Iqama holder has printed out the MOFA online visit visa application form, he/she can take it to the sponsor to sign and stamp the document.
The Saudi Chamber of Commerce can also attest the MOFA application form if required for private company workers.
3. Send Completed Form/Visa Number to Visitor
Once signed and stamped by the sponsor, usually it takes a week or less for the status to be reflected in the MOFA portal. You can check the status of the MOFA visa application using the application number and your ID number.
If the visa application has been granted, you can send the scanned copy of the completed, signed, and stamped application form to your family member applying for the Family Visit Visa outside Saudi Arabia.
4. Register & Pay for Family Visit Visa at the Enjazat Website
Now is the time for your family member to create an account at the Enjazat website.
Once you create it, you will get an email to activate it. Make sure to check the Spam folder.
On the Enjazat Website you would need to search for the application using the application number and your passport number.
You can pay using a Vis/Master credit card.
5. Submit Documents to Saudi Embassy/Visa Agency
Depending on where you are, you might be able to get the visa along with your passport by mail or in person. Usually, a family visit visa can take up to 3 days or more depending on each individual case.
Note that Saudi Arabia has a list of approved agencies all over the world to apply for a visa. Don’t get fooled by some neighbourhood agency and lose your hard-earned money. If you can’t find an approved agency, write to the Saudi consulate in your country and ask them about it.
Requirements for Saudi Family Visit Visa from the Applicant
- Copy of sponsor Iqama holder’s passport
- Valid International Passport (Minimum 7 months validity remaining) for the applicant
- Copy of the Iqama or residency permit for the sponsor
- 4 passport size photos
- Apostilled copy of National ID card of the applicant
If applying for in-laws
- Apostilled marriage certificate for the sponsor
- Apostilled copy of birth certificate of son/daughter
- Family Book If Necessary
This is a sample Saudi visa for family visit.
How much Does a Saudi Family Visit Visa Cost?
The cost of Single Entry and Multiple Entry KSA Family Visit Visas are fixed at 300SR.
How to Check Your Family Visit Visa Status Online?
Visit the MOFA SA website: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/
Scroll down and enter the application number and ID number to inquire the status of your visa application.
In the next page, you will be able to see whether it is approved. If it is under process or rejected, you will see a red line text in Arabic. Once the visa is approved, you will be able to see the following information on a new page.
You will see the visa duration, application details and visa number.
Can You Extend Family Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, it is possible to extend Family visit visa for KSA.
A single entry family visa can be extended 5 times, for a total stay in Saudi Arabia for 180 days. A multiple entry visa can be extended for 90 days at a time. Note that you can get only 180 days at a time. After that you need to leave the KSA and re-enter.
A lot of people leave for Baharin or Dubai, and return back before visa expires on passport.
For this, you need to apply through the Absher portal. But chances are there that the extension through the portal wouldn’t work or you will get error messages.
In that case you need to visit one of the Jawazat offices in Dammam or Jeddah or the one closest to you, with the required documents such as
- A copy of your passport bio page and Iqama
- A copy of your wife/husband’s passport bio page and visa
- A printout of Saudi family visa extension application in Absher
- Printout of the error messages in Absher
You would need to carry a copy of the Jawazat appointment. No need to have same day appointment. You just need appointment to enter into building.
Can You Extend Family Visa in Saudi Arabia on Expired Iqama?
As per the General Directorate of Passports(Jawazat), the expiry of Iqama or residence permit does not prevent someone from extending the family visit visa of their relatives.
Extending Multiple Entry Saudi Visit Visa after 270 Days
It is possible to extend the multiple entry KSA visit visa after 270 days, which means after 3 extensions.
Do You Need Health Insurance for KSA Family Visit Visa?
Whether it is a single entry or multiple entry Saudi family visit visa, you do need to have insurance. Now, you can’t get this insurance from wherever you want.
The ministry of the Interior authorizes a very limited number of insurance companies to sell health insurance for a Family Visit Visa.
- BUPA Arabia
- Al Rajhi Insurance
- Arabian Shield
- AXA Cooperative
- Allied Cooperative
- Saudi United Cooperative
- Tawuniya
Cost
The insurance cost varies as per the sex, age and medical background of the visitor applicant. Right now, the prices are between 30 SR and 100 SR.
What Does a Family Insurance Cover?
The family insurance covers covers treatment for emergency cases. You can use it in the case of emergencies, traffic accidents, repatriation after death, dialysis, problems of pregnancy etc.
For cases of hospitalization, room, doctor and nursing services, and life support, the policy limi is set to 600 SR per day.
It doesn’t cover medication and drugs, and childbirth without complications.
How to Apply for Saudi Family Visit Visa Insurance?
Compare the policies of different insurance companies, and when you are ready with one, then enter the visa details and other relevant personal details of the applicant and pay the fees.
If later you want to extend the coverage for a Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa , you can log in to the same Insurance company portal and extend it.
How to Check the Validity of the Family Visit Visa Policy?
Head over to the CCHI website, to check the validity of your Family Visit Visa policy.
- Choose Inquire About Visitor Insurance
- Then click Service Link
- Enter Visitor Passport Number & Captcha Code
KSA Family Visit Visa Rejection Reasons
A Saudi family visit visa might be rejected for various reasons such as
- The applicant’s profession has no entitlement. Make sure that your job title appears on the MOFA list of professions that are entitled to get visas. If you are not, only your sponsor can change it.
- Writing Atheists as your religion when filling in the application.
- Making mistakes with application details.
- Although not official, various professions such as house driver, normal workers etc. that are related to manual labor often get their visas rejected. If you have some certificates, you might be able to change your job title.
It costs 1000 riyal to change profession.
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Hello,
To apply family visit visa, does the applicant is required to provide his degree or diploma verified copy?
Thanks,
Zia
Hi Zia,
No, there is no need for a degree or diploma verified copy. It is not one of the official requirements.
Can I apply for my wife visit visit since I’m on vacation and staying in my home country?
Hi…
For saudi Visa stamping in Dubai do we have to do any kind of document attestation????
hi DEB please help me what to do with my daughter visa,his exit reentry expire last feb 24,2020 and we request to mofa to extend that time but unfortunately because of the pandemic the embassy suddenly close so there is no chance to process the visa,when they open last sept we tried again but the embassy said the visa is expired,again we applied to mofa and after waiting for three weeks they said they cannot extend the visa because it is more than a year now.so we dont know what is the next step.do i have to cancell the iqama and reaaply again in stigdam?
Hi Arnel,
Thanks for stopping by. I understand that your daughter is not in Saudi Arabia right now. If the visa has expired and it is more than a year now, then it won’t be renewed. If you are in Saudi Arabia, You can visit the Jawazat offices in Dammam or Jeddah or the one closest to you with the documents mentioned in “Can You Extend Family Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia?” section of the article. The last option would be to apply for a fresh visa.
can i apply for my brother as visit visa?
Hi 1st time family visit visa is allow now to enter the kingdom?
Hi Ameer,
Yes, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s your first family visit visa. If you have a valid Saudi visa you can enter the KSA. But note that Non-Saudi nationals holding Tourist Visas are not allowed to enter the Kingdom for COVID right now. Check with the Saudi embassy of your country to confirm before planning to go.
Can i apply visit visa for sister?
My sister is un marriage but she will come with my mother
Hi Kamal,
There has been a recent announcement that now you can apply for a family visit visa for your brother, sister, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. So hopefully the option will soon be available online. Some expats swear that they have been able to apply under “other” option and mentioned brother/sister there. But I can’t really assure how true is that. So you can give that a shot or wait for the new rule to be implemented.
Hi sir . can my husband apply for family vist visa for me and my daughter.His Aqama is Amil Manzli .so on this Aqama he is entitled for applying family visa or not
Hi Mrs. Arslan, I don’t think you can get the visa on Amil profession. He needs to change the profession.
Any news about the family visa issuance from MOFA now a days. I applied 10days before but not get the visa.
Hi Mohammad,
Saudi Arabia visas are being issued. But because of COVID restrictions, they might take a bit longer. Also depends on which country you applied from.
Visit visa for my wife was issued on 27-02-2020, valid until 26-02-2021. Unfortunately she could not travel to the Kingdom as of now due to the flight services is remains suspended until further notice.
Is the valid until means ( 26-02-2021) she can enter to the Kingdome on before this date? or must leave the kingdom on this date? Please respond.
Yes, she can enter the KSA on or before this date.
I have facing Same issue…
Due to CORONA 19 Virus Pandemic, there have been no flights to Saudi Arabia. we have not used this visa since the visa Stamped from India.
I want to bring my family to SAUDI ARABIA.
Please advise me What i should do…..
You can go via other countries. I have explained the Dubi route well.
Hi Deb
apply Mother Visit Visa , she lives in Pakistan
apply for 1 year multiple but reject just now and Message Comes on Mofa Website is
نأمل تعبئة طلب جديد. أطيب تحياتنا
(translation) : We hope to fill out a new application. Best regards
please Guide and Explain what is the reason or should i Reapply Today
There was some mistake in your application.
Authorities require new application.
Hi, it’s our first family visit visa approved last month and we intend to use it this December, 2020 so we can spend Christmas with my hushband working in Saudi.
my son is holding saudi family visit visa.he is working in dubai and wants to visit us, now can he do please
Hello,
My mothers family visit visa (2 years) expires in February. I am trying to find out if a new visa can be applied and issues while she is here, as during the pandemic it may not be a good idea for her to travel back to India.
Do you know if this is possible
appreciate reply, thank you
Anuradha
Hi Anuradha. Yes, I believe a new visa can be applied while she is in Saudi Arabia.
dear sir
my son is working in dubai and holding family visiting visa expiring on 30-12-2020.
he wants visit us now before 10th.dec can he do,
Hi. I have two years multiple entry visa. I received it last year on 3rd January, 2019. I stayed in Saudi for 2 weeks but because I had a difficult pregnancy I could not travel back again. Now I was all set to travel with my daughter but the Pandemic happened. Now it’s December. My visa is valid for one month. My husband applied again for our visa because apparently my visa is not appearing in their Saudi govt portal. But here, in Oman, where I reside, the embassy does not want to issue a new visa and also does not want to cancel the previous visa. What am I supposed to do? They say I can travel from here but from Saudi side they have informed me that I won’t be allowed to reenter. This is frustrating. I am this close to going and still stuck. The embassy is willing to stamp the visa on my daughter’s passport but not mine.
Hi Deb,
My iqama profession is normal worker. Is it valid for family visit visa application?
thanks a lot.
Hi Cloyd,
I believe you are talking about having a labor Iqama? Unfortunately, that can become an issue. Many people have had family visit visas rejected for having a labor Iqama. However, if you have some certificates, you might be able to change your job title. It costs 1000 riyal to change profession.
Hi Deb,
my iqama profession is welder. Do i need to change iqama profession to apply for family visit vissa.
Hi Deb,
As of 2nd Dec, 2020. Can you please confirm, If Etimad and MOFA has started working on new family visit visas ?
Hello kausar,
As i know he would be allowed to enter KSA if previous visa is valid. Second thing if he visits you and leave prior to visa expiry. there wont be an issue. If his medical is still valid. please check on provider website by entering visa number.
On the other hand, if he plans to visit you again in few months in Ramadan/Eid 2021 it is advisable to apply for new visa 1 year multiple and come tension free. I don’t think fee is so high that you would think again. This is best option to avoid any possible shock by the authority at airport.
Thanks
Hi Deb,
My family visit visa got rejected twice already, just wondering what could be good reason for visit that I should put?
I am 16,and mother is 39 do we need a medical certification from Bangladesh to enter in ksa with a family visit visa?
Hi Deb
Thanks for the article. It is indeed very helpful. But are you sure about the single entry visit visa’s duration is 3 months? Because in 2019, they were only 2 months (1 given in default, the other by extension online through Absher).
Hi Atif,
Single Entry Visit visas are valid for 90 days but the duration is 30 days only.
Greetings for the day,
could you please help me to know, are they issuing family Visit visa to Indian?
Thank you
Irfan
Hi Irfan,
The visa is not getting stamped in India yet. But you can apply for it and mention Dubai as the stamping location. Of course for this, you would need some extra documents like marriage certificate and birth certificate attested from UAE mofa.
Dear
I am an indian (Saudi Resident), Is it really possible that we can apply visa mentioning Dubai as the stamping location. Will this really work and we can get stamped from Dubai. If this works really you shared a good information. please confirm and reply again.
Thanks
Yes it is possible. Many Indian expats have taken this route this year.
Hi,
Are you sure? Is it possible to stamp Saudi Visit Visa at Saudi consulate at Dubai? One will be on a visit visa to Dubai, right?
Dear
My family is in KSA on 1year (multiple entry) visit visa valid till 31Jan2021.
Is it possible to apply new 1year visit visa for them again now and choose dubai as stamping location?
Can they exit to Dubai and enter Saudi with their new visit visa after completion of quarantine period on 28Jan2021 ?
Thank You
Azhar
Why don’t you try to extend the visa while they are in Saudi Arabia?
And yes, that is possible. Many people have taken this route.
Hello, Is unmarried certificate required for daughters aged above 18 years old who have already approved family visit visa?
Hi Aira,
Yes, it is needed. You can make a notarized affidavit from the parents mentioning that she is unmarried and you give her permission to travel. I believe there is no need to get this attested from Mofa really.
Hi Dep,
i have apply for family visit visa for my wife, am a Indian .. after CoC i got this message from Mofa تعتذر الوزارة عن تحقيق الطلب The ministry apologizes for the requested demand.
I don’t no what the reason behind on this. if you have any idea about this.
My Company is located in Dammam and am working in Jeddah. my colleague say that bcoz of national address.
Let me know if you have any idea
appreciate for kind reply
Thanks
Hi Mohammed,
Reapply with the complete home address as per national address as Unwan. And mention the city which is on your iqama. If it is Dammam, mention Dammam. Even if you are living in any other city.
Hi,
Visa’s for indian is not being issued from SAUDI coz of stamping which is stopped for a while in India.
When i applied, i got the same message from ministry.
You need to select dubai for the stamping of Visa as Deb said earlier.
Hi there!
I’ve been trying to visit my family desperately for the past 7 months. I’ve been looking for ways to visit them but I exit the country in Jan 2020 thereby losing my iqama. Now i wish to visit my family via family visit visa but haven’t been able to obtain one as stamping in india hasn’t been open yet neither has the consulate been responding to calls regarding the same due to the pandemic.
As Deb has mentioned earlier, and now Shuaib having confirmed it, I am intrigued.
As far as i have understood we need to apply for family visit visa through MOFA and instead of selecting visa stamping location as india, we need to get it stamped in dubai by the saudi consulate in dubai? Will this work?
i have been looking for ways and would like to know more. waiting for your reply.
Thanks and regards.
Hi Mohammed, yes that will work. Many people have used this route. But note that you have to provide the required documents in Dubai to get the visa stamped. I have updated the article with that info.
Hi
I am from India, I want to apply for a family visit visa but I am getting confusing which one is better single or multiple. My plan is for them to stay for 6 months.
would you please share and guide to choose with all details…
Please advise and thank you
Regards,
Rizwan
Hi Rizwan,
If your plan is to stay for 6 months, it is better to apply for a multiple entry visa. The process is the same as mentioned in the article. But if you get the single entry visa, you would need to extend it again and again.
Thanks, Deb…For the valuable information.
Can you please share about pricing details if you know…will help me a lot.
if in the case for 3 months stay what you will advise? single or multiple
ones again thank you so much: -)
Regards,
Rizwan
Hello. I am a US citizen and my wife is British and our baby has a British. I have a valid Iqama and entry/exit visa. Am I able to get a visit visa for her and my son if I am not currently in Saudi?
My employer is saying I need to be in the Kingdom in order to get the visa for them. I would rather travel together as a family than leave them and have them join me later.
Hi Justin,
I totally get your plight.
What makes it difficult to get the visa outside KSA is the step where you need to get a signature from your employer. And in case anything goes wrong with the application, you might need your employer’s help again. Technically, it should be possible for someone who is in Saudi Arabia to do this for you. Maybe an agent. But this would again need your employer’s nod.
Ah, thank you so much for the fast reply! I really appreciate it. I was going to use an agent in the UK. He said I only needed the letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and he could get the visa for me in 3-4 days. He said the LOI would come from my employer via the MOFA.
I’m basically just making sure my employer isn’t trying to make me come back on my own if I don’t really need to. The HR lady is VERY old school and loves doing everything on paper and doesn’t know how to use the internet! Ha.
Really glad to hear that Justin.
What does the red text in Arabic translated to “We hope to fill out an application according to the new update” mean?
I’m currently residing in USA, and m dad is in Saudi Arabia. He applied for a visa for me 2 months ago, however there has been no update at all apart from the same old message “We hope to fill out an application according to the new update”
What are we supposed to do here? Extremely frustrating process. Please get back to me as soon as possible as my parents are sick and I need to travel to Saudi ASAP.
What it usually means is that some details on the application are wrong. Also during the COVID restrictions, this happened to different nationalities. So the workaround is to file for a fresh application and fill in the data as per the Iqama and passport.
You can also take help of an agent. If your father is a US citizen, you can see the list of agents approved by Saudi embassy in USA here.
Hi,
Greetings! just want to ask some questions with regards of extending the visit visa, my wife visit visa will expire on February 2021. Therefore it is ok to extend her multiple visit visa without leaving the country? or she must first leave the country before i extend her multiple visit visa? Because right now lots of speculations that i received that some of applicants they can able to extend their wife’s visit visa without leaving the Saudi Arabia. So Please if you can help me sir I need a valid answer with regards on this matter. It’s very confusing right now.
Thank you
Hi Chito,
It is very much possible to extend the visit visa without leaving Saudi Arabia. Try to do it through Absher. If something doesn’t work, you might need to visit one of the Jawazat offices. But there is no need to leave Saudi Arabia for this.
Thank you so much Deb for the informative answer. God Bless you sir!
If I pay for visa fee at enjazat website, do I need to pay again to Visa agency like VFS tasheel?
My husband is working in abu dhabi..I’m applied for visit visa for him .while he went for visa stamping in vfs tasheel they asked for embassy attested marriage certificate..is it mandatory to get embassy attested marriage certificate for visit visa?
Hi
I’m a U.S. green card holder, I have been received family visit visa from Saudi Arabia, I need to know what’s the documents required of me to send it to embassy. (sponsor/ my father , me/ his son)
Thanks..
Do you mean to say you already received the visit visa? Then there is no need to send anything. If you still need to apply for it, then all the documents will be the same as mentioned in the article.
Hi
Can I apply for my wife family visit visa since I’m on vacation in my home country .
So she can travel along with me .
Although tricky, it is possible to apply for it when you are not in Saudi Arabia. You would need an agent’s help and your employer’s nod for this.
Hi Deb,
Can you please tell, If how much time, It requires for visitor to enter into Kingdom after visa issuance.
Hi Deb,
My Mother Visit Visa issued on Feb & Stamped on March. 2020.
Now my mother is in Dubai on Quarantine for 15 days.
But as u know, Visa Stamped on March and its already late to enter, will that be any issue on Airport to enter.
Note:- Visa is Multiple & expiry on 21-03-2021
Appreciate your response.
Hi Rizwan,
As the visa is valid until 21-03-2021, your mother won’t have any issues to enter KSA. Don’t worry about it.
Hello Deb,
I have applied for visit visa for my daughter through online by selecting destination from Moscow as she is studying in Russia but she is with Indian passport. but when I checked status of application and I found apologies messages from MOFA for the request. how I know the reasons of rejections. ( currently I am staying with my wife but not under family visa and we are under two different sponsor. Also my profession is computer programmer in Iqama but engineering council certification is not yet completed). could you advise how to know the reason of visa rejection and how can apply again. Your support is very appreciable.
can I apply for a visit visa for my Wife’s brother?
Hi Zohaib,
Not really.
Hi Deb, I want to go to Saudi Arabia for a while, my parents are working there, and I got my family visit visa request approved from KSA but I cannot get stamp in New Delhi which is the place selected in my application,
I really need to get home, can you offer me suggestions as to how I go about this situation ?
Hi Vatsal,
A lot of Indians have taken the route of getting the visa stamped at Dubai. If you can, that is a good option.
Is it possible for an Indian to get family visit visa stamp in Dubai ?
If so, is an agency required for this, or I can personally go to the center and get it stamped ?
Can you provide me list of agencies available in Dubai, who are doing this work?
Assalam o alikum,
Anyone please can explain that in a single entry visit Visa is it possible to renew visa even after 3 months of stay as it is written in the article that can be renewed untill 180 days( 6 months)?
Hi All,
Hope all doing well.
My application got rejected because of the mismatching of my place of issue and the city that I did the chamber. That time, the place in my iqama was Jeddah and I got stamped from Riayah.
After that incident, company renewed my iqama and currently it is showing electronically printed in the place of place of issue.
So, how can I understand the place of issue to get the chamber from the exact place..? Or it will acceptable for any chamber?
Please help to solve this.
Hi Gentleman,
I have a question about my mother in law’s Family visit visa to be extended. Because, This is a one-year multi-entry visit visa. Besides, I was renewed thrice (After 3months, 6months, and 9 months) as everyone allowed to do so on Absher. Her visa will be expired by the 24th of But I need to renew again for 3 months as the situation is not much good in Srilanka at the moment. Hence, Can you advise me of any possibilities to do so?
Hi yes, you can do it. Create a single PDF with the screenshot of the error message, insurance details, visa details from Absher and passport details of the visa holder. Then go to the services> General services in Absher, and then click on messages and services. There select “General directorate of passport”, and subject as “Extend multiple entry visa”. Select the service “visa issues” In the message explain your problem. In the comment attachment, attach the error from Absher, and in the attachments, attach the PDF from before.
Hello. My husband had applied for family visa for me in December 2020 (as I left for my home country Belgium as my previous visa was coming to an end). And now they have rejected the application saying the ministry apologizes for the requested demand.
The visa application was applied via the HR department of my husband’s company. I got it last year so how come this year they are rejecting ? Please help
Hi Henna,
what it usually means is that some details on the application are wrong. Also during the COVID restrictions, this happened to different nationalities. So the workaround is to file for a fresh application and fill in the data as per the Iqama and passport. BUt since the HR department of your husband’s company is applying for it, you need to get in touch with them.
My husband raised the request for family visit visa for me.. and it got rejected.. how can we identify the reason for rejection?
I’m an indian.
And also want to know how often can we apply for the family visit visa once rejected?
Hi Nancy,
The exact reason for the rejection is hard to tell. Please see the section on “rejection”. Once you know, you can apply for a fresh one.
Not sure about the number of times.
Hi Deb,
I am holding Saudi Iqama with Electronics technician Profession. Is this possible to get the Family visit VISA for my Sister in Law. We are expecting our baby delivery in first week of April 2021 , and to help in various aspects of delivery I would like to arrange the visa only. Please suggest.
I don’t think so. Please check the “Who can Get MOFA Family Visa Visa for Saudi Arabia?” section for details. I have updated it.
Hi Deb,
Greetings! My family came for the first time in KSA on Visit Visa and their Ninety Days Stay is going to expire on 21-Jan-2021 as per absher.
First question is what is precisely meant by Seven Days. Will i be able to apply extension on 14-Jan-2021 or will it be 15-Jan-2021?
Secondly, when applied through absher, how much time is taken by authorities to accept/reject that visa?
Gratitude in advance.
Regards,
Hi Haris,
Thanks for stopping by.
The visit visa duration should be less than 7 days when applying for an extension. So you can apply for it on or after 15th Jan 2021.
The extension is instantaneous if all your details are in order.
Hi Deb,
I have VISA & Insurance both for one year Validity is to expire in Feb 2020. There is travel ban for direct travel from india. Today news is 31 march all flight will resume.
1) Can we extend this totally unused VISA/Insurance validity date in India at embassy or KSA at jawajat
2)Do we need to cancel VISA if not extended. if not canceled is there any problem in future.
3) Any possibility of refund of VISA/ insurance if it goes unused due to travel ban
4)All payments done by agent now he is not responding to calls
The best option for you now is to use the Dubai route. I have added a section on that in the article. You can’t extend an unused visa. You can apply for a fresh one though. I don’t believe you need to cancel the visa now. People have been able to get new visas without canceling the old ones.
Note that the KSA embassy in India is not open now.
I can’t comment on the refunds since you did it through an agent. You need to check with them.
Hi Deb,
A lot of gratitude. Just one confusion, if you could please clarify? By instantaneous, do you mean its automatic if everything is clear, or its instantaneous but still by someone working efficiently from the office. Gratitude again.
Regards,
Hi Haris.
Yes, it is automatic if everything is in order.
Hi Deb,
Many thanks for active responses. Stay blessed and have a good day.
Regards,
Hi, I am Shakhawat. How i can check the visa ..is it correct or not ? I have a work visa which has validity 90 days. After 90 days can i extend it or not ? And how i can do it . my agency is saying that it’s free visa.
Hi Shakhawat,
Does it look like the visa pic in the article? Please note that this article is about the family visit visa. If you applied for a work visa, then that would be different. And unless I see it, I can’t really say. Feel free to use the CONTACT page to contact me and once I reply, you can send a pic of the visa and I can tell you. Do blur out any personal info.
Hi Deb, Can I get my visa stamped in Dubai, I have no connections with Dubai, I will be on visit visa there, so is it possible for me to get stamp for Saudi family visit visa from there ?
Please give me detailed answer asap as it is very crucial for my plans
Updated the article for everyone to see. Please check it out.
Hello everyone.
Iam from India
I have a query ?
Actually my family visit visa is valid till 16-3-2021 nd they could not travel to ksa since suspension of flights. So i wanted to ask,
1) Is it possible that they can enter ksa via dubai after 15 days quarintine their ??
( I asked few agents in india nd they assured me that it is possible these days as many indian visit visa holders are taking this route).
2) As my iqama is expired currently, so does it cause any problem for them while immigration at dubai or ksa airports as iam the sponser of the visit visa ??
3) As the visit visa is un-used till now nd will expire in march, is their any way to extend it or will it be cancelled automatically after completion of validity i.e., 16-3-2021??
Please help me with ur valuable suggentions 🙏
Hi Deb My family exit reentry expired before two years. Now I applied for Visit Visa in Islamabad Embassy but they Rejceted two times. Now they are asking for Final Exit paper. Please can u guide us about this problem. Is there any solution.
Hi Kamran,
You can go for the final exit if your family visit visa has not expired. As it has expired already, that is the reason they are rejecting it. Not sure about the solution here. Maybe others can pitch in.
Hi Deb,
Greetings,
My family one year multiple visit visa was expired on Dec 20 but from Absher it is renewed for more three months and now valid till March 21. I want to apply a new one year multiple visa for my family so can the system accept to apply before expire of existing valid visa without going exit from KSA. Its very confusing.
Appreciate your valuable suggestion.
Best regards,
Hi Deepak,
Why do you want to apply for a new visa? You can extend the existing one multiple times, right?
Hi Dev,
Thank you for your reply.
From the latest news, KSA is going to lift all restriction from 31st March. So if flight service will resume then most probably KSA govt. will not renew further. if there is an option to renew multiple visit visa for more one year without exit KSA then I can apply before expiring of exist one otherwise my family need to exit from KSA.
Please suggest if there is any procedure to renew multiple visit visa without exit from KSA.
Best regards
Deepak
Hi Deepak,
You can renew the family visit visa through Absher or in Ishtiqadam without leaving KSA. It is easy. But, I don’t think it is possible to extend the visa for more than a year without leaving KSA.
Hello Dev,
Thank you for your valuable feedback.
Best regards,
Deepak
Hello brother.. thank you for your information. I would like to apply for family visit visa. unfortunately, my iqama profession is not suitable for it. iqama profession is Hospital Cleaner and I’m working in manpower company as an office administrator. so can you suggest me which profession that I can use while changing my profession. also please let me know do I need to submit any certificates during this process.
thanking in advance for your response.
Hi Deb,
I am Gittu. I have a query relating to my wife’s visit visa. She came to KSA on one year multi-entry visa. It was extended 3 times after each 3 months. The visa expires in February. Is there any provision to extend the visa or to apply a new visa without travelling back to India? If so, what’s the procedure?
Hi Gittu,
Yes you can extend it again. Read my comment here.
https://thevisaproject.com/experience/mofa-family-visit-visa-saudi-arabia/#comment-492
Hello,
My partner of 6+ years is moving to Saudi (Riyadh) at the end of the month. Do we have to be married to apply for the family visiting visa? Even if we can prove our relationship and that we live together.
They are currently (to my knowledge) not going tourist visas so exploring all options.
Hi Hannah,
I don’t think you can but do check with the Saudi embassy in your country. If such a relationship is legal in your country, then the embassy might accept it.
Hello,
I am working in saudi arabia and applied family visting visa for my wife 4 times abd got rejected on all occasion with the following message
” Ministry Apologies for the requested demand. Greetings”
Please let me know the reason for rejection.
hi, my job title is restaurant worker,can possible to take wife and daughter for visit 3 month in ksa saudi?
Hi Arjun,
Don’t think so. You would need to change your profession in Iqama in this case.
Good morning
I have applied through an agency to stamp my parents visit visa under my iqama in India. They are asking for Hayak number. Do you know that it is required . My husband is travelling to India and was planning to bring them with him. Both of us are working in MOH hospital. Do you know visit visa holders are allowed to enter KSA as of now or they have to wait until 31st March. Many thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Shahna,
Not sure about the Hayak number but visit visa holders are being allowed inside KSA now, as long as they fulfill the quarantine requiements.
Hi
Can i apply visit visa for my second wife and my 2 month daughter?
Please note that, my first wife and my 13year old daughter are under my Iqama and both lives in Riyadh.
Hi,
As far as I know, you can apply for the visit visa only for 1st wife.
Hi Deb,
Can visit visit holders travel from UAE to KSA nowadays?
BR
Shabeel
Hi Shabeel,
Yes they can.
Hello Mr. Deb,
I wish to bring my family again in KSA. Please let me know, if Multiple Entry Visit Visa for 2 years is active now? Earlier it was stopped and she came on MEVV for 1 year. So, this time looking for 2 years, if available.
Thanks.
Hi RD,
I don’t believe they are issuing 2 years multiple entry visas anymore.
I want to apply my wife’s visit visa to ksa. Does she need to make new passport with my name on it or can we use marriage certificate?
Hi Haider,
Yes, you can apply. No issues. Just get the marriage certificate attested from the Mofa.
Good Day Sir,
i have 2 years multiple visit visa for my wife ad daughter, those visa stamped on 10th april 2019 and they entered at Saudi on 22 July 2019. Then they left saudhi on 5th march 2020 due to covid situation. Now i want to bring them to saudhi after march 31st. Is it possible?…..
Because my doubt is, how can we measure the 2 years visa validity ….from stamping date or first entry in Saudi date. Upto which date my family can stay with me at ksa if they can come now. Please provide your support.
The visa validity starts from the day it is stamped. So if the visa is stamped on 10th April 2019, it will be valid until 10th April 2021. So until that time, they can come to Saudi Arabia. After that, you would need to extend their visas.
hi Deb
can i apply for visit visa in bahrain the same way its possible in dubai for my family?
Can you provide me any details of whom can I contact if its in your knowledge.
Thanks
Hi Jaffar,
As per the latest updates, entry to Bahrain is restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents, GCC citizens who do not need a visa, passengers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, passengers with a valid eVisa, diplomats, military personnel, airline crew, or holders of official, service or UN passports.
So if you fall in the above category, then you can plan on this.
Hi,
I am an Indian living in Saudi Arabia, my mother stays with me on visit visa.
Her passport is expiring in Apr2021, which I will get a new one from Indian consulate.
Now my question is:
How to update passport number in absher for a person on visit visa.
Can I still extend her visit visa, even if the passport is expiring/expired. (is there any validation of passport expiry to extend visit visa)
Please advise.
Thanks
Tariq
Hi Tariq,
Once your mom gets the new passport, send a request in Absher to extend the visit visa, explaining the whole thing in a message. In your message, provide the details of your old passport number and new one, visa number and border number. Attach a copy of your new passport.
If you get any errors, attach a screenshot of that error as well.
They will extend it.
Very useful. Information you have compiled. 2019 n most of 2020 I stayed on 2 year business visa and my wife stayed on companion visa. I got another one year business visa for stamping in dubai. Did they resume stamping companion visas now? Appreciate if you could check
Hi,
I wanted to inquire about port of entry. If I put Jeddah as port of entry but enter from Riyadh Airport. Would that be an issue?
Hi Syed,
Port of entry won’t be an issue. You can enter through Riyadh.
Hi Dev,
I want to inquire about the procedure for that visitor having a single name on his/her passport because last time I applied for my wife but it was rejected with the reason to apply with the complete name (Second or last name) but my wife has only one name on the passport.
Can you please brief about the solution to it?
Regards
Hi Zameer,
While I have never come across something like this with respect to the family visit visa, there are people who have done this while applying for other kinds of visas. Mostly it is a technical or system error. While one solution would be to apply for a new passport where she can have your last name, it is far-fetched and in my opinion, not necessary.
You can get in touch with the embassy and see what they are saying.
If nothing works, you can take the help of an agent.
Hi
My parents are not in the Kingdom and their visit visa is valid till March. Can I get the visa extended without their presence here as they are unable to travel now due to some issues but want to come by April.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
No, it will not work like that. Any visa that expires while you are outside of the country, needs a fresh stamping.
Hi Mr. Deb
Thank you for your information
Please I have a question
People says we should pay visa fee of SAR300 per passport only the embassy in our home country
Is this possible To pay visa fee at enjazat website, is it acceptable?
Hi, my daughter Inlaw has acquired a Tourist e-visa for KSA from Canada to visit her husband. Under the current mutant situation can she come to Saudi Arabia or are there any travel restrictions pls.
I do not think she can come on a tourist visa now.
Ok Thanks, and will update you about my experience in it.
My family residential visa was stamped in feb 2020, but due to covid they couldn’t enter Kingdom, but now as there is option vis Dubai, can my family enter Kingdome on same visa or need to take new stamping if yes/no how, as now unable to get correct information can u please guide, please email me.
Depends on whether your visa is valid or not. If it is still valid, then you can enter on the same visa. No need to get it stamped again.
Good day!
I am planning to bring my mother here (family visit visa) in Riyadh. Is it required that I need to go back to my country so she could travel with me? or she can travel alone going back here in Riyadh?
She can travel alone with her visa. You don’t have to go.
i applied family visit visa two times but refuse
1st time msg came we are apologist to proceed your application.
2nd time we hope to fill out a new application.
my profession is quality tester.
can you please sort out this issue?
Thanks
Hi Muhammad,
I am not sure if your profession is eligible for a Family visit visa. Quality Controller is one of the eligible professions though. See if you can talk to your employer and change your profession on Iqama and then reapply.
if i have MOFA Family Visit Visa, Can I find a work and transfer to Working Visa from the employer? please give details if possible and its conditions. thanks
Hi Deb,
I trust you are well. The family visit visa that can be extended up to 5 months as you said.
1. Is it monthly renewal right?
2. The cost every month will be 100 SAR also? or 1 time.
Regards,
Hi Mazhoor,
Each renewal will cost 100 SAR. A single entry visa can be extended for a month at a time.
Hi Deb,
Thank you for fast response, 100 SR for each family member?
Regards,
Yes.
hi myself & wife both having iqama but my new born kid is 10 months old now, is it possible to bring him with family visit visa to KSA or we need to get residence visa only.
Yes, you can.
Hi Mr. Deb,
I have a daughter in Philippines. She was born here in KSA, previously holding iqama. I’m planning to bring her back for a visit.. is it the same process as you mentioned in your article?
Thank you..
Hi Sheryl,
I think in your daughter’s case, it will be different as she herself had an Iqama before. Check if you can renew the Iqama if it is expired or get any other kind of visa depending on the requirement. If not, you can try for a family visit visa based on your Iqama.
Hi deb,
My sons visit visa just got extended today and will expires on 29-04-2021. according to jawazat officer this will be the last time that it will be extended since the multiple visa is valid for 1 year only. My question is, if we go exit before 29-04-2021 do i need to apply a new visit visa for my son for him to go back here in saudi or after exit i just need to extend the old visa again. Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Ven,
You would need to get a new visa since the old visa would expire.
Thank you deb. By the way, if thats the case can i apply a new one while he has an old visit visa? Or can i convert the visit visa to dependent visa here in saudi so that he doesnt need to exit?
Hi,
You can apply for a new one but you can’t convert it as far as I know. Some people have claimed that they converted visit visa to dependant visa using agents, but I think the chances of that are very slim.
Hi deb,
What if we exit saudi then reenter again before the visit visa expires? Does it mean that they can extend the visit visa even it is multiple entry visa one year validity only? By the way im talking about multiple entry visit visa with one year validity. Supposedly it will expires on 29-01-2021 without my son exiting for 1 year but they extend it until 29-04-2021. Sorry i am a little bit confused on how to manage this. They said that you can apply for new visa only after the old visit visa expires which is in my sons case will be on 29-04-2021. Please help me to understand. Thank you very much for your patience in answering all our queries. God bless you
Hello Mr. Deb,
Thank you for the article. I want to know how many days can I wait before I submit the passport for visa stamping as I have already received the visa approval document from MOFA Saudi. Since I asked for single visit visa I don’t want to waste the 90 days in waiting as Saudi Govt. postponed lifting of travel ban.
Basically I want to know the validity/duration of this approval.
I also want to inform you that the other option for brother/sister works provided your company/sponsor has the authority to forward it & your sibling is accompaniying your parent (as in my case). You will need his /her birth certificate.
May Allah reward you for your good work & help.
Thank you.
Hi Zubeda,
Thank you for your kind words.
As you already have the approval, you can go for stamping. No need to wait.
You make an interesting point about brother/sister. I would try to find more info on this.
Hello Mr. Deb. Greetings!
Thanks for your updated informations.
Visit visa for my family visa was issued last year, valid until 26th Feb-2021. Unfortunately due to COVID 19, suspensions of flights from India to Saudi Arabia my family not able to travel Jeddah. Now i am in Jeddah. It is difficult for my family to travel via Dubai. Please let me know how i can extend their visit visa from here. Please let me know the correct procedure. Waiting for your Reply. Thank You
Hi
I hope you can help me. My husband is British citizen (so are me and the kids), he works and lives in Saudi, his a consultant engineer, and works for a huge French company. Considering the current pandemic is it possible for him to apply for a family visit Visa? I know all visits to Saudi are suspended and I’m hoping you can clear this confusion for me.
Thank you
Hi Sara,
Yes, people are applying for family visit visas and also getting them stamped. So visas are being issued.
Dear do you have any any information regarding changing the profession.
My current profession is Amil (Labour). My employer tried to change my profession to computer technician or programmer MOL is not allowing to change the profession.
I Have valid membership of SCE as well.
Hi deb,
I am a little bit confuse about getting new visit visa. Date of entry of my sons old visa was 04-02-2020 and was extended for 4 times but will expires on 29-04-2021. Jawazat officer said that we need to exit because he stays 1 year now without leaving. My question is can we apply new visa if we leave and come back to saudi before 29-04-20? Thank you for your patience in answering my queries.
Hi Ven,
There are two things here. One is a visa and the other is an extension. From your comments, I understand that your son has an extension which is gonna expire on 29th April 2021. He can exit sometime before the extension expires, apply for a new visa, come back. I am not very sure whether he can get a new visa when his extension is still valid. The point is to get a new visa stamp on his passport, come back and keep on getting extensions.
Hi Deb,
I apply for my 2 daughters but Saudi Arabia not listed in the destination. Is there any restriction now a days for visitors here in KSA?