By Md Mostafizur Rahman 
Are you an Afghanistan citizen planning to visit Saudi Arabia or do you have children who need a Saudi visa? Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or religious purposes, understanding the visa application process is essential for a smooth trip to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia offers different types of visas depending on the traveler’s needs. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the Saudi visa requirements for Afghanistan citizens and children, along with the simple steps to apply for the visa.
Types of Saudi Visas Available
Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visas for different purposes. Below are the main visa categories that Afghanistan citizens can apply for:
- Tourist Visa: The tourist visa allows Afghanistan citizens to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure, sightseeing, or exploring the rich history and culture of the Kingdom. This visa is typically valid for up to 30 days and is available as a single-entry visa.
- Business Visa: If you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia for business meetings, conferences, or to establish business relationships, you will need a business visa. To apply for this visa, you’ll need an invitation letter from a Saudi company.
- Work Visa: For those who have secured employment in Saudi Arabia, a work visa is necessary. This visa requires sponsorship from a Saudi employer, who will guide you through the application process.
- Hajj and Umrah Visas: Afghanistan citizens wishing to perform religious pilgrimages, such as Hajj or Umrah, can apply for specific religious visas. These visas are issued for those fulfilling religious duties and have special entry requirements.
- Transit Visa: If you’re passing through Saudi Arabia on your way to another destination, a transit visa allows you to stay in the country for a short period (usually up to 72 hours) during your layover.
Saudi Visa for Afghanistan Citizens
If you’re an Afghanistan citizen planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, the process of applying for a Saudi visa can be done online in many cases. The Saudi government has simplified the application process by offering an e-visa system, making it easier for Afghan nationals to travel to the Kingdom.
Step 1: Check Visa Eligibility
Before you begin the application process, it is important to check your eligibility for a Saudi visa. Certain visa categories have specific requirements that must be met, such as the purpose of your visit, the validity of your passport, and other criteria. To make this process easier, you can use the SAUDI VISA FOR AFGHANISTAN CITIZENS page. This page contains a list of requirements and provides the information you need to check your eligibility for the Saudi e-visa.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for a Saudi visa, the next step is to complete the online visa application form. The form will ask for basic personal details such as your name, nationality, passport information, and the reason for your visit. It is essential to fill out the form accurately and provide correct information to avoid delays or issues with your application.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
After completing the application form, you will need to submit supporting documents, including:
- A valid Afghanistan passport with at least six months of validity.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight bookings and hotel reservations.
- For a business visa, an invitation letter from a Saudi company.
- For Hajj or Umrah, proof of religious intention.
Make sure all documents are in order before submission to avoid any complications in processing.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will need to pay the applicable visa fee. This fee depends on the type of visa you’re applying for. The payment can be made online using various secure payment methods, such as credit or debit cards.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval
Once your application is complete and payment is processed, you will need to wait for your visa to be approved. The approval process typically takes a few days for most visa types. Once your visa is approved, you will receive it electronically. You can then print the visa and carry it with you when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Visa for Children
Traveling with children requires additional considerations. Saudi Arabia offers special visa options for children, making it easier for families to visit the Kingdom. If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia with your children, here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Apply for a Saudi E-Visa for Children
Just like adults, children traveling to Saudi Arabia will need a visa. Fortunately, Saudi Arabia offers a streamlined process for applying for a visa for children. If your child is under the age of 18, they are eligible to apply for an e-visa. The process is very similar to the one for adults and can be done entirely online.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents for Children
When applying for a SAUDI VISA FOR CHILDREN, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of the child’s passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- A passport-sized photo of the child.
- A birth certificate for the child (sometimes required to confirm the relationship with the parent).
- A travel itinerary, including flight details and accommodation bookings.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee for Children
Similar to adult visa applications, there will be a visa fee that must be paid for children as well. The fee is generally lower for children, but it’s still important to complete the payment process to finalize the application.
Step 4: Visa Approval for Children
Once the application and payment are completed, the processing time for children’s visas is similar to adults’ visas. You will receive the visa electronically, which you can print out and carry with you for your child’s entry into Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an Afghanistan citizen planning a trip to Saudi Arabia or traveling with children, understanding the visa application process is vital for a smooth journey. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the available online tools, such as the SAUDI VISA FOR AFGHANISTAN CITIZENS page and the SAUDI VISA FOR CHILDREN page, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for your visit to the Kingdom.
Whether for business, tourism, or religious purposes, Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visa options to suit the needs of Afghan citizens and families traveling with children. By taking the time to understand the visa process, you can make your trip a memorable and seamless experience.