A Comprehensive Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Innovative KSA Visa Platform

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Reviewed January 2024

In a move poised to revolutionise the ease of travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a platform known as ‘KSA Visa’. Marking a departure from the fragmented visa landscape, this unified online portal streamlines the process for visitors intending to travel to Saudi Arabia.

The portal will provide information about all types of visas, including those for Hajj and Umrah, making it the ideal choice for travellers of all types, including religious pilgrimage, leisure pursuits, or business ventures.

In this article, Wego helps you understand the details of the new KSA Visa unified platform.

What is the KSA Visa platform?

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step towards boosting tourism by launching a unified visa platform called “KSA Visa.” This innovative platform promises a simpler and more efficient experience for travellers seeking to visit the Kingdom.

The platform serves as an intelligent search engine, delivering rapid information on existing visas. It offers a comprehensive resource for comprehending visa prerequisites and the steps involved in the application process.

KSA Visa centralizes the entire process of visa application, acting as a single point of contact for all visa requirements. 

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KSA Visa launch

The KSA Visa Platform was launched at the second edition of the Digital Government Forum on 19 December 2023, following the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and supervised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the inauguration was carried out by Abdulhadi bin Ahmed Al-Mansouri, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Executive Affairs.

KSA Visa website

As unveiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the website for the KSA Visa can be accessed at https://ksavisa.sa/. The website provides a seamless search option for the type of visa required based on the purpose of their travel.

The outlined travel purpose categories on the website are visit, transit, work, Hajj and others. These categories are broad enough to encapsulate all the different visas available for entering the Kingdom.

Furthermore, according to the KSA Visa website, the Saudi government worked with 65 countries to realize the process of visa digitization. Owing to their efforts, the time required for an e-visa issuance is as low as 60 seconds.

The website also states various FAQs for your convenience, and if there are further questions, details about contacting the KSA Visa authorities are on the Contact Us webpage.

KSA Visa features

Some of the features of the new KSA Visa platform are:

Enhanced convenience and transparency

The platform offers a user-friendly interface that guides applicants through the visa application process step-by-step. It provides comprehensive information on various visa types, eligibility criteria, and required documentation. 

The platform provides an updated personal file for visitors, enabling easier visa applications and re-applications. Additionally, KSA Visa streamlines the payment process, eliminating the need for manual transactions and delays.

Enhanced support for government agencies

The platform is connected to over 30 government agencies, ministries, and the private sector. It will empower over 50 government agencies and private sector companies by automating visa issuance procedures and improving visitor experience.

Boosting tourism and investment

The launch of KSA Visa aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment. By simplifying the visa process, the Kingdom expects to witness a surge in tourist arrivals, creating new job opportunities and contributing to economic growth. 

Moreover, KSA Visa is expected to attract foreign investors by facilitating business travel and fostering a more open and welcoming environment.

Shaping the future of visa applications in Saudi Arabia

KSA Visa represents a significant leap forward in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its visa issuance process. The platform’s focus on convenience, transparency, and efficiency is sure to make the Kingdom a more attractive destination for travellers and investors alike. 

Moreover, advancements to the platform involve the incorporation of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies. These enhancements are designed to verify data accuracy and enhance the overall efficiency of the platform, aligning it with its role in supporting the advancement of the kingdom’s plans.

As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism and business sectors, KSA Visa is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Kingdom’s visa landscape.

KSA Visa services

The following are some of the services provided by the KSA Visa platform:

Applying for a visa

KSA VISA simplifies the application process for a range of visas, catering to diverse needs. Whether it’s for the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, a transit stop, a visit for tourism or family reasons, or seeking employment, the platform provides a user-friendly experience tailored to each visa category, ensuring a seamless journey for applicants.

For more information on applying for a visa, visit the KSA Visit website.

Other services

Some of the other services on the KSA Visa portal include:

• Business Login: Tailored for corporations and business travellers, the Business Login provides a secure portal for managing business visa applications,
• Business Services: Facilitating services for business travel, visa applications, real-time tracking of applications, and dedicated support for businesses navigating the visa process.
• Diplomatic Missions Services: Specialized for diplomatic travel, the platform provides a dedicated channel for embassies and consulates.

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

KSA Visa information

The KSA Visa portal also serves as a source of information for those intending to travel to Saudi Arabia. The platform has different sections providing details on various aspects, including:

Exploring visa options

KSA Visa’s guide on different types of visas is tailored to each visa category, including visit, work, transit, Hajj and cetain other visa types. It gives quick insights into eligibility, required documentation, and processing times:

Visit

A gateway to explore the multifaceted wonders of Saudi Arabia, a Saudi visit visa grants visitors the flexibility to pursue any or all the following purposes during their visit:

• tourism
• family and friends
• medical
• Umrah
• business

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

Alternatively, you can also refer to our dedicated Saudi visit visa article, for more details.

 

Transit

A Saudi transit visa is a temporary visa that enables travellers to pass through the KSA briefly while on their way to another destination. The following are the categories of transit visas available:

• sea transit visa
• land transit visa
• air transit visa

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

Alternatively, you can also refer to our dedicated Saudi transit visa article, for more details.

 

Work

A Saudi work visa allows individuals to work legally within Saudi Arabia:

• seasonal work visa
• temporary work visa
• permanent work visa

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

Alternatively, you can also refer to our dedicated Saudi work visa article, for more details

 

Hajj

The Hajj visa is one of the most important documents that Hajj pilgrims need to be allowed to perform the Hajj. It is exclusively available during the Hajj season.

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

Alternatively, you can also refer to our dedicated Hajj visa article, for more details.

 

Other

The KSA Visa platform provides information on some other visa types and services, including:

• electronic visa waiver
• residency
• escort
• diplomatic visa
• special visa
• missions and organisations visit
• education visa
• transport of goods
• re-entry visa extension
• ratify applications

For more information please visit the KSA Visa website.

Know before you go

Prepare for your journey with the KSA Visa platform, where you will find essential tips on local customs, cultural nuances, and the latest travel advisories, ensuring a seamless visit to Saudi Arabia.

For more information on Saudi Arabia, please visit the KSA Visa website.

KSA Visa status check

Applicants who have applied for a visa through the KSA Visa portal can track the status of their application through the website.

Here are the steps required to check your application status:

• visit the KSA Visa website
• click on “Track Application” at the top of the page
• enter your Application/Visa Number.
• enter your ID Number. This can be either an applicant/invitee (passport number), inviter(Saudi national ID, iqama ID, or a commercial registration number)
• click on “Track My Application”, and the application status will be shown.

KSA Visa contact number

For personalized assistance, you can reach out to KSA Visa’s support team at any of the following contact numbers:

Local: 920011114
International: +966920011114
General Inquiries: +966114077777
Fax: +966114414588

Alternatively, you can also send them an email at [email protected]