For decades, living in Dubai, Doha, or Manama while trying to visit Saudi Arabia meant navigating a complex maze of embassy appointments and invitation letters. In 2026, that wall has crumbled. If you hold a valid residency visa from any GCC country (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar), the Kingdom is now effectively borderless for you.
But before you pack your bags for a weekend in Riyadh or an Umrah trip, there are new rules. The 2026 eVisa system is streamlined, but it’s also strict about job titles and residency validity. A tiny error in your profession description or passport expiry can lead to an instant rejection at the airport.
This isn't just another travel blog. This is your 2026 field manual to navigating the new Unified National Visa Platform (ksavisa.sa) and ensuring your digital visa lands in your inbox, not the rejection pile.
The Golden Rule: Eligibility in 2026
Not every GCC resident qualifies. The system filters heavily based on your residency status and profession.
1. Residency Validity (The "3-Month" Rule)
Your GCC residency (Iqama/Emirates ID) must be valid for at least 3 months from your date of entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Warning: If your residency expires in 2 months and 29 days, the system will automatically block your application.
2. The "Profession" Check
Unlike the old days where only "Managers" and "Doctors" qualified, the 2026 list has expanded to include over 2,000 professions. However, manual labor professions (e.g., "Laborer," "Helper," "Driver") are still generally excluded from the instant eVisa path and may require a standard consulate visa.
Cost & Validity: What You Get
The 2026 pricing structure has been simplified to encourage regional tourism.
| Feature | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Approx. SAR 300 ($80 USD) |
| Insurance Fee | SAR 30 - 200 (Varies by provider and age) |
| Total Cost | Expect to pay around SAR 400 - 500 total. |
| Validity | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 90 Days per visit. |
Note: The visa allows for Tourism, Business meetings, Family visits, and Umrah. It does NOT allow for Hajj or paid employment.
Step-by-Step Application Guide (ksavisa.sa)
Forget third-party agencies. The official government portal is the only way to apply securely.
Step 1: The Official Portal
Go to ksavisa.sa (Unified National Visa Platform). Do not use ".com" sites that charge "service fees." Create an account using your email.
Step 2: Select Your Visa Type
- Choose "Service for GCC Residents".
- Select "Apply for Visa".
- The system will ask for your GCC residency country and permit number.
Step 3: Document Upload (The Tricky Part)
This is where 40% of applications fail. Photo: Must be a white background, no glasses, 200x200 pixels minimum. Passport Scan: Clear, full page, no glare. Residency Copy: Upload a clear scan of your Emirates ID/Iqama. Pro Tip: Ensure your profession on the application matches the exact spelling on your residency card.
Step 4: Insurance & Payment
The system will auto-generate a list of approved insurance providers. The coverage is mandatory for emergency medical costs. Select the cheapest one (usually sufficient for short trips) or a premium one if you want better coverage. Pay the total fee via credit card (Mada, Visa, Mastercard).
Troubleshooting: "Why Was I Rejected?"
If you get a rejection email, it is usually one of three things:
- Profession Mismatch: You wrote "Engineer" but your residency says "Engineering Technician." Be exact.
- Blurry Documents: The AI couldn't read your passport number. Rescan at high resolution.
- Name Order: In some GCC countries, names are written differently. Ensure you enter your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport.
Umrah on eVisa: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can perform Umrah on this visa! You do not need a separate Umrah visa. The Condition: You must download the Nusuk app to book your Umrah slot. Do not just show up at the Haram; guards may ask for your active permit on the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work in Saudi Arabia with this eVisa? A: Absolutely not. This is strictly for visits. Caught working? You face deportation and a permanent ban.
Q: Can I drive to Saudi Arabia with this visa? A: Yes. It is valid for land borders (like Batha/Ghuwaifat from UAE or King Fahd Causeway from Bahrain). Just ensure you have your car insurance and Istimara ready.
Q: My children are under my sponsorship. Do they need separate visas? A: Yes. Every individual (even infants) needs their own eVisa application. You can apply for them under your account as "dependents."
