A Beautiful Way to Reunite with Your Loved Ones
Saudi Arabia is a country that strongly values family, love, and unity. Many people living and working in Saudi Arabia often want to bring their close family members for a visit SAUDI FAMILY VISIT VISA . Whether it’s for a short holiday, a special occasion, or just to spend time together, the Saudi Family Visit Visa makes that possible in a very smooth and positive way.
This guide is written in the easiest words to help anyone understand the full process of applying for a Saudi Family Visit Visa. Whether you’re living in Saudi Arabia and want your loved ones to visit, or you’re someone planning to travel to the Kingdom to meet your family, this simple guide will walk you through everything you need to know—with clarity, ease, and positive energy.
What is a Saudi Family Visit Visa?
The Saudi Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa issued to close relatives of residents and citizens living in Saudi Arabia. It allows family members to enter the country and stay for a short period. This visa is designed for visits only, not for working or long-term stays.
It’s the perfect way for families to stay connected, spend time together SAUDI BUSINESS VISA , and create happy memories, especially when separated by distance due to work or other commitments.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visit Visa?
This visa is for close family members. That includes:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children
- Parents
- Parents-in-law
- Siblings (in some cases)
The person inviting (the sponsor) must be:
- A Saudi citizen inviting their immediate family
- A foreign resident (expat) living in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama (residency permit)
Friends, cousins, or extended family are not eligible under this visa category.
Different Types of Saudi Family Visit Visas
There are two main types of family visit visas available:
Single-Entry Visit Visa:
This visa allows one visit for a stay of up to 30 days. It can usually be extended in stages, depending on current visa rules.
Multiple-Entry Visit Visa:
This allows the visitor to enter and leave the country multiple times during the visa’s validity period—typically up to 1 year. Each stay can last up to 90 days at a time.
Both options are very useful and depend on how long your family plans to stay or how often they will visit.
Simple Steps to Apply for a Saudi Family Visit Visa
Applying for the Saudi Family Visit Visa is a smooth and friendly process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Online Application by the Sponsor
The sponsor (person living in Saudi Arabia) should visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website and submit a family visit visa request. They’ll fill out details like:
- Sponsor’s name and Iqama details
- Visitor’s full name and passport information
- Type of visa (single or multiple entry)
- Relationship to the visitor
- Purpose of visit
Step 2: Attestation of the Application
After submitting the request online, the sponsor needs to authenticate the application. If the sponsor works in the private sector, the request must be verified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. For government workers, it is authenticated through the government body.
Step 3: Approval and Visa Number
Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the application will receive a reference or visa number. This number is very important for the next steps.
Step 4: Completing the Visa Application
The family member who is visiting must complete the visa form on the Enjazit website. This is the official Saudi visa platform. They’ll need to:
- Fill out the form with the visa number
- Upload a passport-sized photo
- Attach a copy of their passport
- Pay the visa fee online
Step 5: Submitting Documents to the Embassy
Depending on the visitor’s home country, they may need to submit their documents at the nearest Saudi embassy or an authorized visa application center. Required documents may include:
- Original passport
- Visa application form
- Visa fee receipt
- Passport photo
- Copy of the MOFA approval
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Copy of the sponsor’s Iqama and passport
Step 6: Visa Issuance and Travel
After approval, the visa is stamped on the passport. The visitor can then book tickets, prepare travel documents, and travel to Saudi Arabia for their lovely family visit.
Documents Needed for the Visa Application
To avoid delays and ensure a successful application, make sure the following documents are prepared:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of relationship (translated into Arabic or English)
- Copy of the sponsor’s Iqama and passport
- Visa approval document from MOFA
- Visa application form (from Enjazit)
- Medical insurance (included with the application)
Having all your documents ready makes the whole process easy and fast.
Visa Fees and Validity Period
Visa fees may vary depending on the country and the type of visa (single or multiple). On average:
- Single-entry visa: around \$80–\$130
- Multiple-entry visa: around \$150–\$300
Visa duration:
- Single-entry: 30 days (extendable up to 180 days)
- Multiple-entry: Valid for 1 year with stays of 90 days at a time
Can the Family Visit Visa Be Extended?
Yes, the single-entry family visit visa can be extended using the Absher platform. This platform allows residents and citizens to manage visa services easily online.
To extend the visa:
- Log in to the Absher portal
- Choose “Extend Visit Visa” option
- Enter visitor’s details
- Pay the renewal fee
- Submit the request
Remember: you must apply for an extension before the current visa expires. Multiple-entry visas do not need extension, as you can leave and re-enter within the visa validity.
Important Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Always double-check the information on the visa application form
- Travel with all necessary documents, especially your visa printout and passport
- Respect Saudi Arabia’s culture and dress modestly
- Use official platforms like MOFA, Enjazit, and Absher to avoid fraud
- Keep emergency contacts and embassy numbers saved
- Enjoy the visit by exploring safe and family-friendly places in Saudi Arabia like Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, and the Red Sea coast
Top Benefits of the Saudi Family Visit Visa
- Reunites families and strengthens emotional bonds
- Easy and fast online application process
- Affordable visa options for all types of visits
- Opportunity to celebrate holidays, weddings, or other occasions together
- Visitors can now perform Umrah during their stay (depending on latest guidelines)
Common Questions Answered
Can I perform Umrah with a family visit visa?
Yes, in most cases, family visit visa holders can perform Umrah. It’s best to check the current rules and register using official apps like Nusuk.
Can I work with a family visit visa?
No, the family visit visa does not allow working in Saudi Arabia.
Is health insurance required?
Yes, health insurance is required and is usually added during the online application on Enjazit.
How long does the visa process take?
Usually, it takes a few days to one week, depending on the embassy or country.
Conclusion: A Joyful Way to Stay Connected
The Saudi Family Visit Visa is a beautiful opportunity to bring your loved ones close and enjoy precious time together. The process is easy, online-friendly, and designed with family happiness in mind.
By following this step-by-step guide, preparing the right documents, and applying through trusted platforms, you can enjoy a smooth journey from visa approval to a joyful reunion.
Families are the heart of life—and Saudi Arabia makes sure that no distance keeps them apart. Begin your visa process today and look forward to creating lasting memories with those who matter most.