A Practical Guide: Applying for the Family Visit Visa Saudi Arabia from India

 


Connecting with family members residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a priority for many Indian expatriates. The family visit visa Saudi Arabia serves as the primary avenue for bringing immediate relatives over for short-term stays. This article provides a practical, pointwise guide to the application process, focusing on the steps and considerations for Indian applicants.

1. Understanding the Core of the Family Visit Visa Saudi Arabia:

The family visit visa Saudi Arabia is a non-immigrant visa category designed to allow immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) of Saudi residents (both Saudi citizens and expatriates with valid Iqamas) to visit the Kingdom temporarily. It is issued for social purposes and explicitly prohibits employment or extended residency. The validity period and permissible duration of stay are determined by the invitation issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the discretion of the Saudi Consular section.

2. Initiating the Invitation: The Sponsor's Role in Saudi Arabia:

The first and most critical step for a family visit visa Saudi Arabia application begins with the sponsor in the Kingdom:

  • Online Invitation Request: The Saudi resident (sponsor) must log in to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) online portal (e.g., through their Abshir account) to initiate a "Family Visit Visa Request." They will fill in the visitor's details, relationship, and desired duration of stay.

  • Employer/Chamber of Commerce Attestation (for Expatriates): If the sponsor is an expatriate working for a private company, the online invitation request form, once generated, usually needs to be printed and then officially signed and stamped by the sponsor's employer. Subsequently, this employer-attested form must be attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. This step is crucial as it verifies the sponsor's employment and capacity to invite family. Government employees may have a different internal attestation process.

  • MOFA Approval: After the necessary attestations, the invitation request is submitted back to MOFA for final approval. Once approved, MOFA issues a "Visa Reference Slip" or "Yellow Slip" with an application number, which is essential for the applicant in India.

3. Document Preparation for the Applicant in India:

Once the sponsor has secured the MOFA invitation, the applicant in India must meticulously prepare their documents for the family visit visa Saudi Arabia:

  • Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages.

  • Photographs: Two recent (not older than 6 months) passport-sized color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a white background. Face should be clear, forward-facing, and without shadows.

  • Visa Application Form: Duly completed and signed online visa application form.

  • MOFA Reference Slip: The original or a clear copy of the Visa Reference Slip/Yellow Slip issued by MOFA to the sponsor.

  • Proof of Relationship:

    • For Spouse: Original Marriage Certificate, translated into Arabic, and attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.

    • For Children: Original Birth Certificate(s), translated into Arabic, and attested by the MEA in India.

    • For Parents: Original Birth Certificate of the sponsor (to prove their relationship to the parent), translated into Arabic, and attested by the MEA in India.

    • Note: Other supporting documents like family registration cards (if applicable) can also be useful.

  • Medical Certificate: A mandatory medical fitness certificate from a clinic approved by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India. This typically involves a comprehensive health check-up.

  • Confirmed Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight bookings clearly showing entry and exit dates.

  • Travel Medical Insurance: A mandatory comprehensive travel medical insurance policy that covers the entire duration of stay in Saudi Arabia. This insurance must meet the Saudi government's requirements and often includes COVID-19 coverage. This is typically purchased online during the visa application process.

  • Sponsor's Documents (Copies):

    • Copy of sponsor's valid Iqama (residency permit).

    • Copy of sponsor's passport.

    • Copy of sponsor's employment letter/salary certificate (attested by Chamber of Commerce if applicable, as per point 2).

  • Financial Proof (if required): Bank statements for the last 3-6 months may be requested to demonstrate sufficient funds for the visitor's stay.

  • Consent for Minors: If a minor is traveling alone or with one parent, a notarized No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the non-traveling parent(s) and copies of their passports.

4. The Application Submission Process:

  • Online Application: Fill the visa application form online on the designated portal (often linked via the Saudi Embassy/Consulate website or through authorized agents).

  • Biometrics Enrollment: Most applicants aged 12 and above are required to visit a VFS TasHeel International center (the authorized service provider for Saudi visa applications in India) to submit their biometric data (fingerprints and facial image). An appointment is usually required.

  • Document Submission: After biometric enrollment, the complete set of original documents and photocopies, along with the printed online application form and biometric receipt, is submitted at the VFS TasHeel center or the Saudi Embassy/Consulate if direct submission is allowed for certain cases.

  • Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable visa processing fees, which include government fees and service charges for VFS TasHeel. As of recent data, a single or multiple-entry visa for 30-90 days can be around SAR 200 (approx. ₹4,440), excluding service charges and other costs.

  • Application Tracking: Applicants receive a reference number to track their application status online.

5. Processing Time and Visa Validity for Family Visit Visa Saudi Arabia:

  • Processing Time: Typically, once all documents are correctly submitted and biometrics are done, the processing for a family visit visa Saudi Arabia from India can take anywhere from 7 to 15 working days. However, this can extend during peak seasons (e.g., before Ramadan or Hajj) or if additional verification is required. Some travel agencies may offer expedited services for an extra fee.

  • Visa Validity and Stay: The visa's validity and the permitted duration of stay per entry are clearly stated on the visa sticker. Common validity periods can range from 30 days to 1 year (multiple-entry), with allowed stays per entry typically around 30 or 90 days. It's crucial to adhere strictly to these dates to avoid overstay penalties. Extensions of the visit visa are possible in Saudi Arabia, but specific rules and conditions apply, and they must be applied for before the current visa expires.

6. Important Considerations and Recent Updates:

  • Policy Changes: Saudi Arabia's visa policies are subject to frequent changes. Always cross-verify the latest requirements on the official MOFA website or through the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India.

  • Temporary Restrictions: As of recent times, there have been temporary entry restrictions or suspensions on visit visas for certain nationalities (including Indian) during specific periods (e.g., Hajj season). Ensure you check for any such current restrictions before planning travel.

  • Overstay Penalties: Overstaying the visa validity can lead to significant fines, detention, deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.

  • Purpose of Visit: The family visit visa Saudi Arabia is strictly for social visits. Engaging in any form of employment or unauthorized activities is illegal and will lead to severe penalties.

In conclusion, applying for a family visit visa Saudi Arabia from India requires diligent preparation and adherence to a clear, multi-step process. From the sponsor's initial invitation to the applicant's document submission and biometric enrollment, each step is vital. Staying updated with the latest official guidelines ensures a smoother application and a joyful reunion with family members in the Kingdom.

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