Guide to Saudi Arabia's e-Visa for GCC Residents

Exploring Saudi Arabia is now more accessible for GCC residents thanks to the eVisa system, which streamlines the entry process, promoting convenience and efficiency. Here's a summary and some refined points on the process and what you need to know before applying:

General Information about GCC Residency 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance of six Arab states along the Persian Gulf: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in Riyadh on May 25, 1981, the GCC aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among its members in various sectors including economy, finance, customs, education, and more. It seeks to advance scientific and technical development in industries such as agriculture and mining, establish a common market, and introduce a unified currency to further unify their economies.

GCC residency allows non-citizens to live, and often work, in any of the GCC countries. This status is usually for expatriates employed in these nations. Here are key points about GCC residency:

• Work and Stay: GCC residency permits are often tied to employment within the host country. The employer usually sponsors the expatriate's visa and is responsible for renewing it as required.
• Travel within GCC: While GCC residency permits allow individuals to live and work in the issuing country, they do not automatically grant the right to work or reside in other GCC countries. However, GCC residents can travel to some GCC countries more easily, sometimes with simplified visa procedures.
• Benefits: Residency in a GCC country typically provides access to public services, healthcare, and educational facilities for expatriates and their dependents, although benefits and rights can vary widely between the GCC states.
• Regulations and Requirements: Each GCC country has its own set of regulations governing the issuance, renewal, and cancellation of residency permits. Requirements for obtaining residency often include a valid passport, employment contract, medical fitness test, and security clearance.

GCC residency does not equate to GCC citizenship, which is not typically offered to expatriates regardless of the length of their stay in the region. The residency is contingent on maintaining valid employment within the host country, and losing one's job usually means having to leave the country or find another sponsor within a short period.

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria

• Residency and Passport Validity: Ensure your GCC residency visa and passport are valid for at least three months and six months beyond your application date, respectively.
• Profession Categories: The e-Visa is open to a broader range of professions than initially. However, some restrictions still apply, particularly for certain job titles.

Detailed Application Steps

1. Online Registration: Start by creating an account on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Visa Portal.
2. Application Form: Log in, choose your visa type, and fill out your personal and residency visa information accurately.
3. Document Upload: Submit necessary documents, including your passport, residency visa, and a recent photo.
4. Visa and Health Insurance Selection: Choose between single or multiple-entry visas and select a health insurance plan from the provided Saudi options.
5. Fee Payment and Submission: Pay the SAR 300 visa fee plus health insurance charges online and submit your application.

After Application Submission

• Application Tracking: You can track your application's status on the MOFA website, adding transparency to the process.
• Visa Validity: The e-Visa is valid for one year from the issue date for multiple entries, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. For single-entry visas, the validity is three months with up to a 30-day stay.

Important Considerations

• Umrah during Hajj Season: e-Visa holders can perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season.
• Family Applications: If traveling with family, each member needs a separate application, and all must accompany the primary applicant when entering Saudi Arabia.

The e-visa system for Saudi Arabia significantly simplifies visiting the Kingdom for GCC residents, opening up the country's rich heritage and modern wonders for exploration. By understanding and adhering to the e-Visa requirements and process, GCC residents can enjoy a seamless travel experience to Saudi Arabia, enriching their cultural and religious understanding. Meanwhile, if you want to secure the cheapest flights to Saudi Arabia, check out WINGIE for the best deals.