How to Apply for Saudi Visa in UAE (Step by Step, Fast and Simple)

If you are in the UAE and you need a Saudi Visa in UAE, the good news is that most people can apply online and get it without visiting an embassy.

This guide is written for UAE residents who want to apply quickly, avoid mistakes, and reach Saudi Arabia without last-minute stress.
We will cover:

• Which Saudi visa should you choose
• What documents you need
• The exact steps to apply online
• Common reasons visas get delayed or rejected
• A quick FAQ at the end

Step 1: Pick the right Saudi visa for your trip

Before you apply, be clear about why you are going. The visa type changes the process.

1) Tourist eVisa (most common and fastest)

Choose this if you are going for:

• Tourism and holidays
• Visiting friends and family (non-work)
• Attending events
• Umrah (outside the Hajj season, if allowed under your entry type)

Many travelers apply through the official Saudi eVisa portal online.

2) Visa on arrival (only for eligible travelers)

Some travelers may qualify for visa on arrival depending on nationality and eligibility rules. Airline and official guidance usually lists who qualifies.

3) Umrah visa via Nusuk (package-based for many pilgrims)

If you are traveling mainly for Umrah and you want a packaged flow that includes visa issuance with services, Nusuk is one official pathway.

4) Business, work, and family visit visas (usually not “quick”)

If you are going for work, a long family visit, or business with an invitation, you may be routed through Saudi government visa services, and often need sponsor or invitation details. Saudi MOFA has eServices for different visa requests.
Fastest option for most UAE residents: tourist eVisa, if you are eligible.

Step 2: Check if you are eligible (do this before you collect documents)

Eligibility depends mainly on:

• Your passport nationality
• Your UAE residency status
• Any other visas you hold (some systems accept valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC visas for eligibility in certain cases)

For UAE residents, Gulf News has covered how expatriates in the UAE can apply for a one-year multiple-entry Saudi eVisa through Saudi’s unified visa platform.
Also, Saudi airline guidance summarizes that eVisa and visa-on-arrival eligibility depends on conditions and traveler category.
Important: Eligibility rules can change, so always confirm on the official portal you are applying through.

Step 3: Prepare your documents (simple checklist)

For a typical Saudi Visa in UAE online application, these are the common basics:

Essential items

• Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining (very common requirement across Saudi entry routes)
• UAE residence visa / Emirates ID details (for residents applying as GCC residents on the platform, when applicable)
• Digital passport-style photo (clear, recent, plain background)

Trip details you should keep ready

• Your expected entry date
• Where you will stay (first hotel or address)
• A contact number and email you will actually check

Medical insurance (do not skip this)

For tourist visit visas, health insurance is mandatory as part of issuing the tourism visit visa.
On many eVisa flows, insurance is included or activated as part of the visa issuance process.

Step 4: Apply online (the actual step-by-step process)

Option A: Apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa (official portal)

This is the most direct online route for many travelers.
Steps

• Go to the official Saudi eVisa portal.
• Start your application and enter your personal details exactly as in your passport.
• Upload your photo if required.
• Review everything carefully.
• Pay the visa fee.
• Receive your eVisa electronically.

The official portal describes it as a simple 3-step flow: fill, pay, and get the visa online.
Speed tip: Most delays happen because names are typed differently than the passport, or photos are rejected. Fix those and you usually move faster.

Option B: Apply through the unified visa platform (commonly used for UAE and GCC residents)

If you are applying as a UAE resident for the one-year multiple-entry eVisa pathway that Gulf News described, you may be directed to Saudi’s unified visa platform route.
Steps (high level)

• Choose the eVisa option for GCC residents or relevant traveler category.
• Add passport and residency details.
• Submit required documents.
• Pay and complete issuance.

Key detail reported: validity is often described as one-year multiple-entry, with a stay period per visit. Gulf News has mentioned up to 90 days per visit for the eVisa.

Option C: Umrah planning and visa services through Nusuk

If your travel is Umrah-focused and you want an official package-based flow, Nusuk offers services that include visa issuance as part of packages.

Also note that Umrah processes have had tighter controls and planning requirements in recent updates, so do not treat Umrah travel as “same as a casual tourist trip”.

Step 5: Pay correctly and keep proof

When you pay online:

• Use a card that supports international online transactions
• Save the payment confirmation
• Check your email inbox and spam folder

Also download and save:

• Your eVisa PDF
• Your insurance details (if shown separately)

Step 6: After you get the visa, do these 5 things immediately

Check the visa details

• Name spelling
• Passport number
• Validity dates

Print a copy

Phones die, airports do not care

Book flights and hotel

Book your flights and hotel in advance and keep the confirmation details easily accessible for immigration and travel checks.

Keep insurance proof handy

Tourist health insurance is mandatory for issuance under Saudi tourism policy.

Carry the same passport you applied with

Sounds obvious, but people make this mistake

Common mistakes that slow down a Saudi Visa in UAE application

If you want your Saudi Visa in UAE quickly, avoid these:

1. Passport validity too short

Many systems expect 6 months validity.

2. Wrong photo

Blurry, shadows, filters, or heavy editing

3. Name mismatch

Do not shorten names, do not change spelling, do not swap surname order

4. Wrong visa type

Tourist eVisa is not a work visa. If your purpose is wrong, you risk refusal at the border.

4. Applying too late

Even if eVisas can be fast, do not gamble on last-day travel

Quick “fast-track” checklist

If you want the fastest Saudi Visa in UAE application, do this in order:

• Passport valid for 6 months or more
• Digital photo ready (clean, plain background)
• Correct visa type chosen (tourist eVisa for most quick trips)
• Apply on the official portal or the correct platform for UAE residents
• Double-check spelling before paying
• Save eVisa and insurance proof

FAQ: Saudi Visa in UAE

1) Can UAE residents apply for a Saudi visa online

Yes, many UAE residents can apply online, including via the official Saudi eVisa portal, and Saudi’s unified visa platform has been reported as a route for UAE expatriates for a one-year multiple-entry eVisa.

2) Is Saudi tourist health insurance required?

For tourism visit visas, Saudi authorities state that health insurance is mandatory as part of issuing the tourism visit visa.

3) How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?

A commonly reported format is a one-year multiple-entry eVisa, with a stay limit per visit. Gulf News has described up to 90 days per visit for the eVisa.

4) Can I do Umrah on a tourist visa?

Rules can change by season and visa type, and there have been recent updates around Umrah management. Many travelers use official channels like Nusuk for Umrah planning and services.

5) Do I need to visit an embassy in the UAE?

For many tourist travelers, no, because the process is online through the eVisa portal. For work, long visits, or invitation-based visas, you may be routed through formal government visa services.

Final advice

If you want your Saudi Visa in UAE quickly, do not overthink it. Pick the right visa type, apply on the official platform, and be obsessive about spelling and photo quality. That is what separates a smooth 10-minute application from a painful back-and-forth.

If you want your Saudi Visa in UAE processed without delays, confusion, or repeat submissions, let the process be handled properly from the start.

At RAG, we help applicants choose the correct visa type, submit error-free applications, and avoid the small mistakes that cause big delays. From document checks to final submission, everything is done with speed, accuracy, and clarity.