Saudi Family Visit Visa Requirements: Bringing Your Loved Ones to the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing significant transformation, welcomes millions of visitors annually, including those coming to reunite with family members residing in the Kingdom. For Indian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, facilitating a family visit requires understanding and adhering to the specific Saudi family visit visa requirements. This visa allows close family members (spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings/in-laws) to visit for a short, temporary stay.
1. The Purpose: Understanding the Saudi Family Visit Visa for Indian Nationals
The Saudi family visit visa requirements are designed to enable Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia on a valid Iqama (residence permit) to invite their immediate family members for a temporary period.
2. Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor and Visitor
For the Indian Expat (Sponsor) in Saudi Arabia:
Valid Iqama: The sponsor must hold a valid and active Iqama (residence permit).
Job Category: The sponsor's profession/job category on their Iqama must be eligible for inviting family members. Certain professions, particularly those deemed "labor" or "unskilled," may not be eligible to sponsor family visit visas.
Relationship: The sponsor can invite immediate family members such as:
Spouse (Husband/Wife)
Children (Son/Daughter)
Parents (Mother/Father)
In some cases (though less common and subject to stricter approval): Siblings, parents-in-law.
Sufficient Accommodation: The sponsor should have adequate living arrangements to host the visiting family members.
For the Indian Visitor (Applicant) in India:
Valid Passport: Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in Saudi Arabia, with at least two blank pages.
Proof of Relationship: Clear and legally attested documents proving the relationship with the sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children/parents).
Financial Means: While the sponsor usually takes financial responsibility, proof of personal funds may be requested.
Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Saudi Arabia.
This must be purchased from an approved Saudi provider. No Previous Overstay: Applicants with a history of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia may face difficulties.
3. The Crucial MOFA Invitation Letter: First Step of Saudi Family Visit Visa Requirements
The most vital document for the Saudi family visit visa requirements is the Online Visa Approval Letter (Mustanad Ta'sheerat), commonly referred to as the MOFA invitation letter or reference slip. This is initiated by the sponsor in Saudi Arabia.
Sponsor's Responsibility: The Indian expatriate residing in Saudi Arabia applies for this invitation through the MOFA website (or Absher portal) in Saudi Arabia.
Information Required by Sponsor: The sponsor will need to provide the visitor's full name, passport details, relationship, and other personal information.
MOFA Approval: The application is reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Once approved, MOFA issues an online visa approval letter with a unique visa number. This letter is then forwarded to the designated Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India (e.g., New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad) where the visitor will apply. Validity of MOFA Approval: The MOFA approval has a limited validity (e.g., 90 days), within which the visa application must be submitted in India.
4. Required Documents for Saudi Family Visit Visa for Indians (Submitted in India)
Once the MOFA invitation letter is approved and received by the applicant in India, they can proceed with the visa application through an authorized agent or directly at the Embassy/Consulate (though typically agents are used).
Original Passport: Valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
All old passports, if any. Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed by the applicant.
Passport-Sized Photographs: Two (2) recent (not older than 6 months) color photographs (typically 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm or 2x2 inches) with a plain white background, full face visible (80%), neutral expression.
Original MOFA Visa Approval Letter: The unique visa number from this letter is essential.
Sponsor's Documents:
Copy of Sponsor's valid Iqama.
Copy of Sponsor's valid passport.
Copy of Sponsor's Saudi ID.
Proof of Relationship:
For Spouse: Original Marriage Certificate (Nikah Nama) attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India and then by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India.
For Children: Original Birth Certificate attested by MEA India and then by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India.
For Parents: Original Birth Certificate of the sponsor (attested by MEA and Saudi Embassy/Consulate) showing parents' names, and copies of parents' national ID cards (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN).
In some cases, additional proof like family registration documents may be requested.
Confirmed Return Air Ticket: A round-trip flight booking.
Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance purchased from an authorized Saudi provider.
This is typically linked to your visa application through the MOFA system. Polio Vaccination Certificate: For applicants from India, a valid Polio Vaccination Certificate is mandatory.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): If applying for a child, a No Objection Certificate from the non-accompanying parent (if one parent is not traveling) along with their passport copy.
5. Saudi Family Visit Visa for Indians Cost: Fees and Charges
The Saudi family visit visa for Indians cost can vary slightly based on the processing agency and prevailing exchange rates. However, the core fees are:
Government Visa Fee: The standard visa fee for a single or multiple-entry family visit visa is typically around SAR 200 (approximately INR 4,400 - INR 4,500).
Medical Insurance Fee: This is a significant component and varies depending on the insurance provider and the duration of the visit.
It can range from SAR 100 to SAR 200 or more (approx. INR 2,200 - INR 4,500+). Service Charges: Authorized visa processing agencies in India (e.g., VFS Tasheer) will charge a service fee, usually around INR 1,000 - INR 2,000.
MOFA Attestation Fees: For marriage/birth certificates, expect fees for MEA attestation in India (varies) and Saudi Embassy attestation (e.g., around INR 4,000 - INR 4,500 per document).
Biometric Enrollment: Some centers may charge a nominal fee for biometric capture.
Note: All fees are typically non-refundable and subject to change. Always verify the latest fees with the designated visa service center or the Saudi Embassy/Consulate.
6. Application Process and Processing Time for Saudi Family Visit Visa for Indians
The typical application process for Saudi family visit visa for Indians involves:
Sponsor Applies for MOFA Invitation: The expat in Saudi Arabia applies online via MOFA/Absher and obtains the visa approval number.
Document Gathering: The applicant in India collects all necessary documents, ensuring attestations and vaccinations are complete.
Online Enjaz Registration/Payment: Some agencies may require online registration and payment through the Saudi ENJAZIT portal before physical submission.
Appointment (if required): Book an appointment with the authorized visa service center in India.
Submission and Biometrics: Submit the complete application package in person at the designated center. Biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) will be collected.
Processing: The application is processed by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate.
Collection: Once approved, the passport with the visa sticker is ready for collection.
Processing Time:
MOFA Invitation Approval: Usually takes 2 to 5 business days in Saudi Arabia.
Visa Stamping in India: Once the complete application is submitted with the MOFA approval, the visa stamping typically takes 7 to 15 working days.
Some express services might exist for additional fees.
It is highly recommended to initiate the entire process well in advance, ideally at least 3-4 weeks prior to the planned travel date, to account for potential delays.
7. Distinction: Saudi Family Visit Visa vs. Business Visa
It's crucial to differentiate between the Saudi family visit visa requirements and those for a Saudi business visa for Indians:
Saudi Family Visit Visa:
Purpose: Exclusively for visiting close family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
Sponsor: Requires an invitation from an individual (expatriate resident or Saudi national).
Permitted Activities: Tourism, social visits, not employment or commercial activities.
Saudi Business Visa:
Purpose: For Indian professionals traveling for commercial activities like attending meetings, conferences, training, or negotiations.
Sponsor: Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi business entity (company) that is officially attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.
Permitted Activities: Strictly business-related activities; does not permit employment.
Documentation: Requires company letters from both Indian and Saudi sides, and possibly commercial registration copies.
In conclusion, successfully navigating the Saudi family visit visa requirements is key for Indian expatriates to welcome their loved ones to the Kingdom. The process, while involving several steps, is streamlined once the critical MOFA invitation is obtained by the sponsor in Saudi Arabia. By meticulously preparing the required documents, understanding the associated costs, and adhering to the application timelines, Indian families can look forward to cherished reunions in Saudi Arabia. Always refer to the official websites of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and authorized visa service providers like VFS Tasheer for the most current and precise guidelines.
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