Requirements To Obtain A VISA To Enter Saudi Arabia

Passport Information

• Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay


• The original passport must be submitted and should have at least two blank visa pages for processing.


• Non U.S. Citizens must provide a notarized copy, front and back of a U.S. Green card or I-94; in order to have a visa processed.

Visa Information

• New requirements for Short Work Visit Visa! - Please see below under SHORT WORK VISIT VISA
• As of September 1st 2011, the processing time for Saudi Visas for Canadian Citizens will be 4-6 weeks.

Tourist Visa

• Tourist travel usually not permitted.

Business Visa

• Passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity.
• 2 Consecutive, blank visa pages.
• Visa Request Form - Link - fully completed for processing


• 1 Application Form - Link fully completed and signed by the applicant.
• An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well.(Sam's Passport and Visa Services can complete this for you at your request)


• 1 Saudi Arabia Letter of Authorization - Link


• 2 Original Passport Photos, scanned copy's will not be accepted


• A business Letter of Guarantee – Link is required, to be typewritten on your company letterhead and addressed to: Consulate General of Saudi Arabia/Visa Section/ Houston TX, That must clearly explain the purpose of travel; Guarantee financial support for the visit and return transportation; the letter should be signed by an officer or manager of the company, other than the applicant.


• An official Electronic Invitation letter from The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will show the invitation approval number. The invitation must also show, the Saudi company seal and the seal of The Saudi Chamber of Commerce, a clear e-mail copy will be suitable if an original cannot be easily obtained.
• The Saudi Company Commercial registration at the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

Work Visit Visa (up to 90 day's validity)

• Passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity.
• 2 Consecutive, blank visa pages.
• Visa Request Form - Link - fully completed for processing


• 1 Application Form - Link fully completed and signed by the applicant.
• An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well.(Sam's Passport and Visa Services can complete this for you at your request)


• 1 Saudi Arabia Letter of Authorization - Link


• 2 Original Passport Photos, scanned copy's will not be accepted


• A business Letter of Guarantee – Link is required, to be typewritten on your company letterhead and addressed to: Consulate General of Saudi Arabia/Visa Section/ Houston TX, That must clearly explain the purpose of travel; Guarantee financial support for the visit and return transportation; the letter should be signed by an officer or manager of the company, other than the applicant.
• An official Electronic Invitation letter from The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will show the invitation approval number. The invitation must also show, the Saudi company seal and the seal of The Saudi Chamber of Commerce, a clear e-mail copy will be suitable if an original cannot be easily obtained.
• A copy of the applicants most recent resume.
• The applicant must also provide work certifications/diploma in the applicants area of expertise.
• The original contract between the Saudi company and the applicant stating the length of contract, nature of the job, amount of pay. This contract has to be sealed by The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Saudi company and the Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia.

• Applicant should have at least 2 years of experience in the field which the position relates to and is being applied for.
• The Saudi Company Commercial registration at the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

Employment Visa

• Passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity.
• 2 Consecutive, blank visa pages.
• Visa Request Form - Link - fully completed for processing.


• 1 Application Form - Link fully completed and signed by the applicant.
• An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well.(Sam's Passport and Visa Services can complete this for you at your request)
• 1 Saudi Arabia Letter of Authorization - Link


• 5 Original Passport Photos, scanned copy's will not be accepted

• A Reference note showing the number and date of the residence visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.

• A recent resume that will reflect the applicants work history.
• 1 Student Clearing-house Letter of Authorization - Link

• An official invitation letter from the company in Saudi Arabia bearing the company seal and the seal of the Chamber of Commerce, approved by the ministry of Foreign affairs in Saudi Arabia. This letter must indicate the block visa number and date as well as the position and name of the person requested.

• The Saudi Company Commercial registration at the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

• (This process will add an additional 5 working days to the visa processing, please keep this in mind before and during the application process) A certified and notarized copy of the applicant's diploma,which must be validated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in Washington DC (telephone 202-377-9450 or 202-289-8849) Form Link. For training or technical diplomas, certified and notarized copies must additionally be validated by the US Department of State. Degrees and Diplomas need to be notarized by the Saudi Consulate as well. Diplomas issued by and institution outside the USA should show the signature and the seal of the issuing country's Consulate.
• A sealed copy of the applicants official transcripts sent to us made to the attention of: Sam Zeidan

• An original employment contract signed by both the sponsor and the applicant. The position mentioned in the contract should match the position mentioned in the block visa reference, as should the academic degree for the applicant should reflect his or her major (Technical Positions should abide by the same format in the form of certificates or accolades).

• A release letter from the previous employer, if the applicant has worked in the Kingdom before.  This applies only if the last employment ended within the last three years.

• Three copies of a recent Medical Report - Link that was issued be a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicants is free of any contagious diseases. (HIV) (Hepatitis B & C) (TB) The license number of the physician must appear on each copy and the reports cannot be older than one month. The applicant must also provide the lab reports in addition to the medical reports that are to be submitted. Each copy of the medical report must by signed and sealed by the practicing physician prior to submission.

• One Police Report issued within 90 days or less. In addition the police report must be issued official department stationary and must include an official department seal and detail that states the application (has no criminal record).

Resident Visa

• A passport valid for at least six 6 months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
• 2 Consecutive, blank visa pages.
• (2) recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
• 1 Application Form - Link fully completed and signed by the applicant.
• An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well.(Sam's Passport and Visa Services can complete this for you at your request)
• A reference note showing the number and date of the residence visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
• Copy of the husband work visa , passport data page and his Saudi Iqama ( Saudi resident visa card)
• Proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, a copy of the birth certificate.
  The age of an accompanying male child should not exceed seventeen (17) years; an accompanying daughter should not be married.
• For non-US citizens, a copy of the green card or other documented proof of legal residence in the USA.
• Three (3) copies of our medical report, along with three (3) passport size color pictures with a white background.
  This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy . Medical reports should be used within one month from the date of issuance.
  Click here to download the medical report form (pdf format).
  Children under the age of sixteen (16) do not need a medical report.
• Residence visas are issued for a validity of one (1) year only. The Embassy does not have the authority to extend or renew a residence visa.
• A resident visa does not grantee the right to work.
• Saudi Arabia Letter of Authorization - Link
• Visa Request Form - Link - fully completed for processing.

Family Visit Visa

• A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
• 2 Consecutive, blank visa pages.
• 2 Recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
• 1 Application Form - Link fully completed and signed by the applicant.
• An electronic visa form "ENJAZ", which is required by the consulate, will need to be completed as well.(Sam's Passport and Visa Services can complete this for you at your request)
• An invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Copy of the husband work visa , passport data page and his Saudi Iqama ( Saudi resident visa card)
• A proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, a copy of the birth certificate. The age of an accompanying male child should not exceed seventeen (17) years; an accompanying daughter should not be married.
• For non-US citizens, a copy of the green card or other documented proof of legal residence in the USA.
• Saudi Arabia Letter of Authorization - Link
• Visa Request Form - Link - fully completed for processing.

Saudi Arabia visitor visa is required for citizens of India.

Filled out and signed Saudi Arabia visitor visa application form

b

Original, signed India passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

c

Passport-type photographs: 2

d

Itinerary. Copy of round trip tickets or itinerary.

e

Personal Invitation. If visiting friends or family, you must provide letter of invitation with the contact information of the host and visitor, purpose and duration of the visit, confirmation of accommodation including the address, signature and date. You will also need to provide proof of the host's status in Saudi Arabia ie. copy of their Saudi Arabia passport's information page, or, if they are not a citizen of Saudi Arabia, copies of their Saudi Arabia residence permit and their national passport's information pages.

f

Letter of Invitation. An official letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.

g

Personal Letter. A personal letter from the applicant addressed to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, explaining the purpose of the trip, dates of travel, cities to be visited, and place of accommodation.

Saudi Business Visa Requirements

Business visas are issued to: businessmen, investors, representatives of U.S. companies, managers, sales managers, sales representatives, etc.

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Requirements:

1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted. Guidelines for accepted photograph for Visa.
3. A completed application form filled-out with a black ink pen or printed. Application forms  can be downloaded from the website at http://www.saudiembassy.net/. Please include your email address on the application.
4. Please provide one of the following documents to prove the applicant’s position:
   • A letter addressed to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. by the applicant’s employer in the U.S., which confirms the applicant’s position and that he is being sent on a business visit related to his company.
   • A copy of the company’s business registration, in Saudi, and in the U.S
   • An electronic invitation Letter from a Saudi Company.
   • A diplomatic note from the applicant’s embassy in the U.S. identifying his/her title (for non-Americans).
   • Additional documents may be requested if needed.
5. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or a document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
6. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website www.enjazit.com.sa or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz.  The visa fee is one hundred and eight U.S. dollars ($108.00) for U.S. passport holders, for both single and multiple entries. For non-U.S. citizens, the visa fee is fifty-four U.S. dollars ($54.00) for a single entry and one hundred and thirty-four U.S. dollars ($134.00) for multiple entries. Payments will not be accepted at the Consulate.
7. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate. Please Read the Guideline for enjaz online application.
8. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
9. Mailing Passport: Include a prepaid return label and envelope (from FedEx, UPS or USPS only) with the return address label filled out completely. A proper prepaid return envelop must include a “PRE-PAID” label.  Return envelops showing only account numbers are no longer accepted as proof of pre-payment.  Credit cards, checks, money orders or cash will not be accepted for return mailing.  Any package without a proper pre-paid return envelope and label will be put on hold until a proper return envelope is received. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine the EXACT return shipping costs. All labels must have a tracking number, and applicants are advised to keep both incoming and outgoing tracking numbers for their records. The Embassy does not send international packages.Washington DC Location: 601 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 - Tel. (202) 342-3800.  

Saudi Arabia business visa is required for citizens
of India.

a

Filled out and signed Saudi Arabia business visa application form

b

Original, signed India passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

c

Passport-type photographs: 2

d

Business Letter. Business Letter from the sending company specifying the purpose of the visit in Saudi Arabia

e

Itinerary. Copy of round trip tickets or itinerary.

f

Company profile. Company profile or Memorandum

g

Employment Letter. A letter from your employer/school (on business letterhead, with contact details), stating that a leave of absence has been granted and that you will be returning to your current job. If you are self-employed, include a copy of your business license and tax return. If you are retired please submit proof of your retirement fund.

h

Business invitation. Signed business letter from the host company in Saudi Arabia explaining the purpose of the trip and dates of travel.

i

Recommendation letter from the Chamber of Commerce. The applicant must supply a recommendation letter from the Chamber of Commerce

j

Personal Letter. A personal letter from the applicant addressed to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, explaining the purpose of the trip, dates of travel, cities to be visited, and place of accommodation.

Time to proces the Business visa saudi Arabia

It takes at least a week to get a business visa processed. Depends also on the employer. Big multi national companies get it sooner - but one week is the least. It could take more time and these days because of hajj it could take longer.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry will issue a yellow paper which will be your visa. It will be sent to you via courier and you will have to approach the Saudi Embassy in your country(India) to get the visa stamped on your passport. For this you will need the following documents:

Your Educational Certificates - translated in Arabic and attested by your education board
Your Medical Test Reports
Invitation Letter from your employer / Letter of employment (if you are being employed by a Saudi Employer)

We suggest you contact an agent to do all this work for you as it takes time and a lot of running around.For KSA authorized agents, click the following links 
Agencies of All Kinds of Visas

Agencies of Umrah Visas

Authorising an agency to finalise procedures of granting visas

 

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Notes:

• Visitors should not overstay the time granted on the visa.
• Business visas do not grant the applicant the right to work or to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must abide by the country’s Islamic laws and regulations and respect its society’s values and traditions.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s laws against drug trafficking are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to severe punishment, which may include the death penalty.

Natural wonders for health–Green tea

Green tea and its nutrients

All kinds of tea, be it black, green or oolong, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The colour of the tea depends upon the amount of fermentation it has been through. Oolong tea is partially fermented, black tea is completely fermented and green tea is not fermented at all. It is produced by steaming fresh tea leaves at very high temperature.

That tea is rich in antioxidants is a given, but green tea is known to contain large amounts of polyphenols, thearubigins, epicatechins and catechins – all types of an antioxidant known as flavanoids.

Green tea and its health benefits

Heart healthy: Regular consumption of green tea has been known to reduce overall cholesterol levels, especially the bad LDL cholesterol which ultimately reduces the risk of heart attacks and heart diseases.

Fights cancer: Catechins present in green tea, are the flavanoids which fight free radicals that damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Since green tea is not put through a whole lot of processing, catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are available in larger numbers.

Helps you lose weight: Can a simple activity like drinking green tea help you lose weight? Recent studies show that catechins help combat accumulated fat and aid in weight loss. Experts say that this fat reducing property catechins can help in a number of lifestyle disease, including obesity.

Boosts your immune system: The antioxidants in green tea help give your immune system a boost of good health which helps keep common ailments like the flu away.

Happy teeth: Catechins are also antibacterial, which is why they are so great in fighting tooth decay, gum diseases and bad breath. Additionally, they also reduce the formation of plaque.

Prevents diabetes: Preliminary studies show that green tea may help to prevent or at the very least, slow down the onset of diabetes. The same study also suggested that green tea acts a very good agent in lowering your blood sugar.

Improves bone health: Studies show that not only can drinking green tea help improve bone density and help reduce the risk of a fracture, it also encourages bone formation.

Reduces the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s: Research shows that polyphenols  present in green tea helps in improving concentration, prevents memory loss and helps reduce the accumulation of brain damaging proteins in your body.

 Great for your skin: Not just as a drink, skin care products with green tea extracts are also wonderful for your skin as it helps your skin stay supple. The antioxidants in green tea are also known to help keep wrinkles at bay.

Experts suggest anywhere from 2-5 cups daily can help you rake in maximum benefit from this natural wonder. Try the decaffeinated version if you’re worried about the caffeine.

Natural Health benefits of using – Flax Seeds

Flax seeds: Tiny seeds, healthy indeed!

Flax seeds look similar to sesame seeds (til) but are slightly larger in size. They have a hard but smooth and shiny outer shell and their colour palette ranges from deep amber to reddish brown. The flavour is warm, earthy and subtly nutty.

While they are technically not a grain, their vitamin and mineral profile is even better than that of regular grains. Even the amount of fibre, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids in flax leaves the rest of the grain family much behind in quality and content.

Health benefits of flax seed:

• Good source of Omega-3 fatty acids: Flax seeds are rich inomega-3 essential fatty acids which help in combating inflammation. Omega-3s are especially good for those suffering from hypertension, as it helps to regulate blood pressure.
• Rich in multiple nutrients: High in nutrients such as vitamin B complex, magnesium and manganese. They also help to lower cholesterol.
• Good for digestion: These seeds are full of fibre and hence act as a natural laxative
• Anti carcinogenic properties: Flax seeds have high levels of lignans (plant chemicals with lots of health benefits) which help in protecting against breast and prostate cancer.
• Protection against diabetes: Flax seeds are known to decrease insulin resistance and help in regulating blood sugar. The lignans in flax seed may actually help prevent diabetes.
• Good for weight watchers: Flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for people who limit their intake of sugar and starch. It’s also a delight for vegans and vegetarians as it is a non-animal source of omega-3 fatty acid and is often used as an egg substitute in baked products to add structure and body to the food.
• Beneficial for women’s health: Research shows that flax seed is especially beneficial for women. It’s known to help women improve their chances of conceiving a baby. Flax seeds also helps to promote normal ovulation and in restoring hormonal balance. It’s also been known to protect postmenopausal women from cardiovascular disease.
• Protection against dry eyes: The Omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed help to fend off dry eyes.

Tips for using flax seed

Ideally, flax seed should be consumed in the grounded form rather than as a whole seed or as its oil. Light grinding allows a better nutrient absorption (or else they will just “pass through”), while flax seed oil alone contains neither the fibre nor the phytochemicals (plant chemicals with disease fighting properties) of the seed itself.

Start slowly if you aren’t used to a high-fibre diet. Grind it coarsely and drink plenty of water along with the powder. You could have it with your cereals or hot and shakes and smoothies or even add it to homemade cookies, vegetables or salads.

To get maximum benefits, 2 tablespoons of ground flax is recommended per day.

Though it’s still being researched and until more is known, pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with their doctors before eating flax seed. Also check the quantity you can have in a day.