Everything You Need to Know About Saudi Multiple Entry Visa for UAE Residents
If you are a UAE resident planning to travel to Saudi Arabia frequently, whether for tourism, business, family visits, Umrah, or both, understanding the Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents is essential. This visa option offers greater flexibility than a single-entry permit, as it allows you to enter the Kingdom multiple times within a fixed validity period without applying for a new visa each trip.
What is a Saudi Multiple Entry Visa?
A Saudi multiple entry visa is a type of electronic visa (eVisa) issued by Saudi Arabia that allows eligible UAE residents to enter the country multiple times over a specified period. Unlike a traditional single-entry visa that expires once you leave the country, this visa remains valid for repeated entrances during its validity, making it ideal for travelers who frequently cross the Saudi-UAE border. The key highlights of this visa include:
- Validity: Typically valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Multiple Entries: You can enter Saudi Arabia repeatedly during the visa’s validity.
- Maximum Stay: Each visit can last up to 90 days.
- Purpose: Suitable for tourism, business, family visits, and Umrah (outside Hajj season).
This makes the Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents a highly convenient option for anyone who travels frequently between the two neighboring nations.
Who is Eligible For Saudi Multiple Entry Visa?
To apply for this visa from the UAE, you must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Valid UAE Residence Visa: Must have at least three months’ validity remaining on your UAE residency permit.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Age Requirement: Applicants typically must be 18 years or older if applying independently.
It is important to note that eligibility may also depend on your nationality and other regulations enforced at the time of application. Always check the latest updates on the official Saudi eVisa platform or with a trusted visa service provider.
Types of Saudi Multiple Entry Visas Available to UAE Residents
If you are considering a Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents, it is important to understand that there are different visa categories based on the purpose of travel. While all multiple entry visas allow you to enter Saudi Arabia more than once during the validity period, the eligibility, documentation, and usage conditions may vary depending on whether your visit is for tourism, business, or family purposes. Here discussed are a few variations of multiple entry visas based on the purpose of your trip:
- Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: The multiple entry tourist visa is one of the most popular options among UAE residents. It is ideal for those who wish to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends, or performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season). With Saudi Arabia opening its tourism sector under Vision 2030, this visa has become more accessible and streamlined through the online eVisa platform. This visa offers flexibility for travelers who may want to explore different cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Makkah, and Madinah across multiple trips within a year.
Key Features:
- Valid for 1 year from the date of issue
- Allows multiple entries during the validity period
- Maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit
- Suitable for tourism, leisure, events, and Umrah (excluding Hajj)
- Entire process is usually completed online (eVisa)
Who should choose this visa?
- UAE residents who frequently travel for short holidays
- Individuals planning multiple Umrah trips in a year
- Families visiting Saudi Arabia for leisure
This is generally the most straightforward and widely used Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents.
- Multiple Entry Business Visa: For professionals and entrepreneurs, the multiple entry business visa is the ideal option. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who need to travel frequently to Saudi Arabia for meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, contract discussions, or corporate collaborations. Unlike the tourist visa, the business visa may require additional documentation such as an invitation letter from a Saudi company approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key Features:
- Validity ranges from 3 months to 1 year, depending on approval
- Allows multiple entries within the validity period
- Each stay typically allows up to 30–90 days per visit
- Requires a business invitation letter from a Saudi sponsor
- May require employer documentation from the UAE
Ideal for:
- Business owners expanding into the Saudi market
- Corporate employees attending meetings or project discussions
- Investors and consultants working with Saudi companies
This type of Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents is particularly beneficial for companies operating across GCC countries, as it eliminates the need to apply for a new visa before every business trip.
- Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa: The multiple entry family visit visa is designed for UAE residents who have close family members residing in Saudi Arabia. This visa allows repeated visits within a year, making it suitable for those who want to spend time with relatives without repeatedly applying for a visa. Typically, a Saudi resident (family member) must sponsor the visit and initiate the invitation process through Saudi authorities.
Key Features:
- Valid for up to 1 year
- Permits multiple entries
- Stay duration usually up to 90 days per visit
- Requires proof of family relationship
- Invitation must be approved by Saudi authorities
Best suited for:
- Parents visiting children working in Saudi Arabia
- Spouses and immediate family members
- Families maintaining close cross-border relationships
This visa is an excellent option for maintaining strong family ties between UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Multiple Entry Commercial Visit Visa: The commercial visit visa is slightly different from a general business visa. It is often issued to individuals involved in trade, technical services, or short-term commercial assignments. While similar to the business visa, this category may be used for more specialized commercial engagements rather than standard corporate meetings.
Key Features:
- Valid for several months to one year
- Multiple entries allowed
- Requires a commercial registration-based invitation
- Suitable for technical consultants or service providers
This option works well for professionals in construction, engineering, oil & gas, IT services, and other technical industries frequently operating between UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Multiple Entry Umrah Visa (Tourist-Based Access): Previously, Umrah required a separate visa category. However, under current regulations, UAE residents can perform Umrah using the multiple entry tourist visa, except during the Hajj season. This has significantly simplified travel for religious purposes.
Important Points:
- Umrah allowed under tourist multiple entry visa
- Not valid for Hajj pilgrimage
- Must follow Saudi religious travel regulations
- Validity usually 1 year with multiple entries
This makes the Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents highly convenient for Muslims planning several Umrah trips in a year.
Benefits of a Saudi Multiple Entry Visa
Choosing a Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents offers several advantages over a single-entry option:
- Frequent Travel Flexibility: Once approved, you avoid re-applying for a visa for each trip during the validity period, saving time, paperwork, and cost.
- Extended Stay Options: You can stay up to 90 days per visit, which is especially useful if you want to combine business, tourism, or family obligations in longer single trips.
- Better for Business and Umrah: Business professionals and Umrah pilgrims (outside the Hajj window for tourist visas) find this visa especially helpful because it allows multiple entries without repeated visa applications.
- Hassle-Free Online Process: Most of the process is online through Saudi Arabia’s Unified National Visa Platform (ksavisa.sa), meaning you don’t need to visit the Saudi embassy physically for eVisa applications.
How to Apply for Multiple Entry Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for a Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents is a fairly simple and mostly online process. However, accuracy and proper documentation are key to avoiding delays or rejections. Below is a clear step-by-step explanation for the visa application process:
- Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa Type: Before starting the application, it is important to determine the correct visa category based on your purpose of travel. Saudi Arabia offers multiple entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and each category has slightly different requirements. Choosing the correct visa type ensures that your application aligns with your travel intention and complies with Saudi immigration regulations. Applying under the wrong category can lead to rejection or restrictions on entry.
- Step 2: Check Eligibility and Validity Requirements: Once the visa type is confirmed, you must ensure that you meet all eligibility conditions. UAE residents must hold a valid UAE residence visa with sufficient remaining validity, usually at least three months. Your passport should also be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended travel date. Verifying these details beforehand is crucial, as applications are often rejected due to passport or residency validity issues.
- Step 3: Access the Official Saudi Visa Platform or Authorized Agent: The next step is to begin the application through the official Saudi visa platform or via a licensed travel or visa agency. Most Saudi multiple entry visas for UAE residents are issued as electronic visas, allowing applicants to complete the process online without visiting an embassy. Using the official platform ensures transparency, while authorized agents can assist if you prefer professional guidance or have complex documentation.
- Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form: After accessing the platform, you will need to fill out the visa application form carefully. This includes entering personal details, passport information, residency details, and travel-related information. All information must match your passport exactly, as even small spelling errors can cause delays or rejections. This step forms the foundation of your application, so accuracy is extremely important.
- Step 5: Upload Required Documents: Once the application form is completed, you will be asked to upload supporting documents. These usually include a clear copy of your passport, UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, and a recent passport-sized photograph. For business or family visit visas, additional documents such as invitation letters or proof of relationship may be required. Submitting clear and valid documents helps speed up the approval process.
- Step 6: Select Insurance and Make the Payment: Travel or medical insurance is often mandatory for Saudi visa applications and is usually offered as part of the application process. After selecting the appropriate insurance option, you will proceed to pay the visa fee and any associated charges. Payment is made online using a debit or credit card. Once payment is completed, the application is officially submitted for processing.
- Step 7: Track Application Status and Receive eVisa: After submission, your application will be reviewed by Saudi authorities. Processing times are typically short, often ranging from one to a few working days, depending on the visa type and applicant profile. Once approved, the Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents is issued electronically and sent via email. You should print a copy and keep it with you while traveling, along with your passport and UAE residency documents.
Applying for a Saudi multiple entry visa is a straightforward process when each step is followed carefully. By ensuring correct documentation, accurate information, and timely submission, UAE residents can enjoy hassle-free approval and the convenience of multiple visits to Saudi Arabia within a single visa validity period.
Visa Fees and Costs of Saudi multiple entry visa
The costs associated with a Saudi multiple entry visa vary depending on the type and where you apply (online vs. through an agent). Some key points:
- Tourist multiple entry visa: Approx. 300–500 SAR (~AED 300–500).
- Business visa: Can start from 500 SAR (~AED 500) or more.
- Additional fees: Insurance, service fees, and agent processing charges may apply.
Fees can change, so always check the official visa portal or consult a licensed agent for the latest pricing before applying.
Important Things to Know
- Stay Limits: While you can re-enter multiple times, each individual visit cannot exceed 90 days.
- Umrah and Hajj: The multiple entry tourist visa allows Umrah trips, but Hajj requires a specific visa category.
- No Extensions: You generally cannot extend the visa after its validity expires, you will need to reapply.
- Passport & Residency Validity: Ensure your passport and UAE residence visa have sufficient validity before applying.
The Saudi multiple entry visa for UAE residents is a powerful travel tool for anyone who frequently visits Saudi Arabia for tourism, family, business, or religious reasons. It offers flexibility, cost savings, and convenience thanks to online applications and longer validity.
Whether you’re planning a long stay, repeated business trips, or multiple visits throughout the year, this visa can simplify your travel and give you the freedom to explore Saudi Arabia on your own terms. Just prepare the required documents, follow the online process carefully, and you will be ready to enjoy all that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
