Looking to bring your family, friends, or relatives to Saudi Arabia? You’re in the right place!
I am Faisal Al-Harbi, and in this post, I will show you how to apply for a Personal Visit Visa to Saudi Arabia with a step-by-step guide. Confused about whether to use the MOFA portal, invitation letter, or manual applications via Istiqdam, this blog will provide all the necessary answers that you require. You will learn how to prepare documents, how to monitor the status of an application, and many other steps.
Here, I will provide all the methods to apply for a Personal Visit are given below:
- MOFA online portal
- Via Istiqdam Office
Method 1: Apply Through the MOFA Online Portal
Step 1: Access the MOFA Official Website
- The first step is to visit the MOFA App.
- Click on the option “Individuals” on the home page.
Step 2: Select ‘Personal Visit Visa’ Option
- Navigate to the Visa Services section.
- Click on the request for a Personal Visit Visa.
Step 3: Fill out the Application Form
Now you’ll need to enter:
- Your full name.
- Nationality information.
- Passport details.
- Decide on the visa validity
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Copy of your Iqama.
- A copy of the visitor’s passport.
- Document of relationship, in case requested by MOFA.
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Double-check your details carefully.
- Write down your Application Reference number to enable you to track your application later.
Step 6: Track Your Visa Status
- Go to the MOFA portal once again.
Read Also: Cancel Saudi Family Visit Visa in 2026
Method 2: Via Istiqdam Office
Istiqdam Office is used by those who do not wish to take the time for the online submission and those with some problems.
Step 1: Collect Required Documents
Just pay a visit to the office, but then please remember to bring:
- Your Iqama copy.
- Visitor’s passport copy.
- Proof of relationship document.
- Completed visa request form.
Step 2: Visit the Istiqdam Office
- Locate your nearest Istiqdam Branch.
- File to be done in person.
Step 3: Pay Fees and Submit Application
- Pay your visa fees at the counter.
Step 4: Track Application Status
- Keep your receipt/reference slip safe.
- It normally takes 5 to 10 working days to have approval of the application.
- You may follow up by coming to the office or phoning the office.
Who Can Apply for a Saudi Personal Visit Visa?
A general guideline on which to review the requirements of applicants for employment is shown below.
| Applicant | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Saudi Citizens | Eligible |
| Saudi with a Valid Iqama | Generally eligible, subject to regulations |
| GCC Citizens | May be eligible depending on applicable rules |
| Visitors in Saudi Arabia | Not eligible to sponsor |
| Individuals with Expired Iqama | Not eligible until renewed |
| Illegal Residents | Not eligible |
Common Reasons
1. Incorrect Passport Information
A rejection may result from providing an incorrect passport particular in the name, date of birth, nationality or passport number.
Solution: Check, when filling the application, that all the data on the passport is correct.
2. Expired or Invalid Iqama
Applicants should hold valid Iqama at the time of applying for filing their by sponsors. In case the job the applicant applied for is cancelled or is not executed due to either of the reasons, he is likely to suffer rejection.
Solution: Renew Iqama and make sure that your residency is in existence before applying for an Iqama.
3. Missing Required Documents
Incomplete and/or missing documents will slow down or delay your application and even lead to rejection.
Solution: Submit all necessary documents (Iqama or National ID), passport copy of the visitor as well as all necessary documents requested by MOFA.
4. Poor-Quality Document Uploads
Fuzzy, cropped, or illegible copies of documents could be a problem.
Solution: Scan or photograph all necessary documents in a clear and high-quality way to be uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost of a visit visa for Saudi Arabia?
Insurance can average from 300 SAR to 500 SAR. Fees also differ according to nationality and the kind of visa.
Can I obtain a visit visa for Saudi Arabia for my friend?
Yes! You can get your friends to visit you under this Personal Visit Visa available online on the MOFA portal.
How many days trip visa granted for Saudi Arabia?
Usually, the common visa is granted up to 90 days of stay and has the same 90-day maximum stay cap.
What is a single-entry visa for Saudi Arabia?
A single-entry visa can only be used to enter Saudi Arabia once, with up to 90 days’ stay. Once you leave the country, you have to reapply to re-enter the country.
Read Also: Check SIMs on Your Iqama (2026) — With or Without Mobile
Final Words
After going through this process, I can assure you that it is not as hard as it seems, so long as you go through the steps accordingly.
To wrap up:
- MOFA Invitation Letter method is great if you don’t want to use Absher.
- Istiqdam Office remains a solid backup if online methods give you trouble.
Then get to work, apply now; your family will soon be flying to Saudi Arabia to reunite with you!
