Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2016-08-09

New amendments have been introduced to visa fees in Saudi Arabia, most notably, the changes will see all visa fees completely waived off and fully paid for by the Saudi government for all first-time pilgrims going for either Hajj or Umrah.

The newly introduced fee structure includes a single-entry visa that will cost travelers 2,000 Saudi Riyals (R 7161.28) or ($533), applicable to all visitors, except first time pilgrims.

A six month multiple-entry visa will now cost 3,000 Saudi Riyals (SR) (R 10750.32), a one year multiple-entry visa will cost 5,000 Saudi Riyals (SR) (R 17917.20).

The Saudi Cabinet has also made it clear that these changes will not impact any bilateral deals already signed by Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Meanwhile, “exit and re-entry” visa fees for residents will be SR 200 for a single trip for two months and SR 100 will be charged for each additional month till the validity of residence permit (iqama).

The exit and re-entry visa fee for multiple trips will be SR 500 for three months and SR 200 will be charged for each additional month till the validity of residence permit.

-Agencies