Gateway to the Gulf: A Comprehensive Saudi Visa Application Guide for Austrian Citizens

Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing unprecedented transformation and opening its doors to global tourism and investment, has significantly reformed its visa application processes. For visitors from around the world, including Europe, accessing the Kingdom is now more convenient than ever.¹ This guide provides a detailed look at obtaining a Saudi Visa for Austrian Citizens and offers a general Saudi Visa Application Guide to ensure a smooth and successful entry.

The Streamlined Path: Saudi Visa for Austrian Citizens

Austria is one of the many countries whose citizens are eligible for the Saudi Electronic Visa (eVisa) program.² This online system has revolutionized the visa application process, making it far more accessible and less time-consuming than traditional embassy applications.³ For Austrian citizens, the eVisa is generally the most straightforward and recommended route for tourism, leisure, family visits, and performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season).

The Saudi Visa for Austrian Citizens obtained via the eVisa portal is typically a one-year, multiple-entry visa.⁴ This allows travelers to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year from the date of issue, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.⁵ This flexibility is ideal for tourists keen to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, from the historical wonders of AlUla to the bustling modernity of Riyadh and Jeddah, or for those making frequent visits for business or family.

Key features of the eVisa for Austrian citizens:

• Online Application: The entire process is completed online, eliminating the need for in-person embassy visits.⁶
• Multiple Entry: Allows for multiple entries over one year.⁷
• Extended Stay: Permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Purpose: Suitable for tourism, leisure, family and friends visits, events, and Umrah.⁸
• Inclusive Insurance: The visa fee typically includes mandatory health insurance for the duration of the trip within Saudi Arabia.

Your Comprehensive Saudi Visa Application Guide

Regardless of nationality (if eligible for eVisa), the general Saudi Visa Application Guide for the tourist eVisa follows a similar, user-friendly process.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your online application, ensure you have the following ready:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.⁹ It should also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Digital Passport-Sized Photo: A recent, high-quality digital photograph of yourself. It should have a plain white background, show your full face clearly, and be in JPEG or JPG format (typically between 100 KB and 200 KB in size).
• Valid Email Address: This is crucial as all correspondence, including the approved eVisa, will be sent to this email.¹⁰
• Credit/Debit Card: For online payment of the visa fee.
• Accommodation Details: While not always a strict upfront requirement for the initial application, having your intended accommodation (hotel address) details ready is advisable.
• Travel Itinerary (Optional but Recommended): While not mandatory for the eVisa, having a rough travel plan can be helpful.

Step 2: Access the Official eVisa Portal

• Navigate to the official Saudi eVisa website: visitsaudi.com. Be wary of unofficial websites that may charge excessive fees or offer misleading information.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

• The application form is intuitive. You will be prompted to provide accurate personal details as they appear on your passport, including:
  • Full Name
  • Date and Place of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport Number, Issue Date, and Expiry Date
  • Contact Information (phone number, email address)
  • Marital Status
  • Profession
  • Expected Date of Arrival and Departure
  • Purpose of Travel (e.g., Tourism, Umrah, Visiting Family)¹¹
• Carefully review all entered information to avoid errors, as discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.¹²

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Follow the prompts to upload your scanned passport biodata page and your digital passport-sized photo. Ensure the images are clear, legible, and meet the specified size and format requirements.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Once the form is completed and documents uploaded, proceed to the payment section. The eVisa fee includes the cost of mandatory medical insurance.¹³ The exact cost can vary slightly, but it’s typically around SAR 494 (approximately $131 USD) for the standard tourist eVisa. Payment is usually made via credit or debit card.

Step 6: Receive Your eVisa

• After successful submission and payment, you will receive a confirmation email. The processing time for a Saudi Visa for Austrian Citizens and other eVisa-eligible nationalities is generally fast. Many applications are approved within a few hours, while some may take 1 to 3 business days. Expedited processing options may be available through certain service providers for an additional fee, potentially reducing the approval time to 24 hours.
• Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to your registered email address.¹⁴ It is strongly recommended to print a copy of your eVisa and carry it with your passport when you travel to Saudi Arabia.

Important Notes for All Travelers

• Hajj vs. Umrah: The tourist eVisa allows for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) outside the annual Hajj season.¹⁵ A separate, specific Saudi Visa for Hajj Pilgrims is required for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is obtained through authorized Hajj tour operators.¹⁶
• Visa on Arrival: While Saudi Arabia does offer visa-on-arrival for some nationalities, applying for the eVisa in advance is generally recommended to avoid potential delays or issues at the port of entry.
• Overstaying: Overstaying your visa validity is a serious offense and can lead to significant fines, detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.¹⁷ Ensure you adhere to the permitted stay duration.
• Cultural Adherence: Visitors are expected to respect Saudi Arabian customs, traditions, and laws.¹⁸ Modest dress is recommended, especially in public places and religious sites.¹⁹
• Stay Informed: Visa regulations can change. Always check the latest information on the official Saudi eVisa portal (visitsaudi.com) or consult the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in your country before your travel.

By following this comprehensive Saudi Visa Application Guide, Austrian citizens and other eligible travelers can look forward to a smooth and enriching experience exploring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.