Bringing your parents to see the life you’ve built in Riyadh or Jeddah is one of the most rewarding moments of being an expat. But if you haven't applied for a Family Visit Visa since 2024, you need to pause. The rules have shifted.
As we move into 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has migrated much of its backend to the new Unified National Visa Platform (KSAVisa). While the process is faster (digital approvals often land in 48 hours), the criteria are stricter. The days of "easy" multiple-entry visas for everyone are currently paused for several nationalities, and the insurance linkage is now instantaneous.
Whether you are a resident (Iqama holder) wanting to bring your wife for a few months or a son hoping to bring his mother for Umrah, this guide cuts through the confusion of the new 2026 protocols.
The Cost: 2026 Fee Structure
The "SAR 300" figure you hear is just the base fee. The real cost involves mandatory insurance and processing charges. Here is the realistic breakdown for 2026:
| Fee Component | Cost (Approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOFA Visa Fee | SAR 300 ($80) | Fixed government fee. |
| Medical Insurance | SAR 40 – SAR 200 | Varies by age. Seniors (60+) pay significantly more. |
| Enjaz / Banking Fee | SAR 30 – SAR 40 | Processing charge for online payment. |
| VFS Tasheer Service | SAR 200 – SAR 400 | Paid in your home country for biometrics. |
| Total Estimated Cost | SAR 600 – SAR 900 | Per person, excluding flight tickets. |
Eligibility: Who Can You Actually Invite?
The Ministry has tightened the definition of "First Degree Relatives." In 2026, you can easily sponsor:
- Parents (Father & Mother)
- Spouse (Husband or Wife)
- Children (Sons & Daughters under 18)
- Parents-in-law (Father-in-law & Mother-in-law)
Who is difficult to invite? Brothers, sisters, uncles, and cousins. While technically possible under "Personal Visit" visas for Saudi citizens, residents (Iqama holders) often face rejections for siblings unless there is a humanitarian reason or you hold a "Special Talent" residency.
Step-by-Step Application Guide (2026 Process)
The process is a relay race: You start it in Saudi Arabia, and your family finishes it in their home country.
Phase 1: The Sponsor’s Request (Inside KSA)
- Log in to Unified Platform: Visit visa.mofa.gov.sa (Residents section).
- Nafath Authentication: You must approve the login via the Nafath app on your phone. No more simple passwords.
- Fill the Form: Enter your details and the visitor's details exactly as they appear in their passport. Crucial: In the "Purpose of Visit" field, write "Family Visit" (زيارة عائلية). Do not write "Tourism."
- Employer Approval: Once submitted, the request goes to your employer’s portal (Qiwa/Muqeem). Your HR manager (or sponsor) must electronically "attest" or approve this request. Note: If you are on a "Special Talent" residency, you self-approve this step.
- Wait for Visa Document: After employer approval, wait 2-5 days. You will receive a "Visa Document" (Mustanad Ta’sheera) with a barcode. Send this PDF to your family.
Phase 2: The Visitor’s Application (Outside KSA)
- Complete Enjaz Form: Your family member must go to the visa platform (Enjaz) and fill out their application using the Visa Document number you sent.
- Pay Insurance: They will be prompted to buy medical insurance. Do not skip this. The visa will not be issued without linked insurance.
- Book VFS Tasheer: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Saudi visa center (VFS Tasheer in countries like India/Pakistan/Egypt).
- Biometrics Appointment: They attend the appointment with:
- Original Passport (Valid for 6 months).
- Printed Visa Document (from Phase 1).
- Two white-background photos.
- Proof of Relationship (Marriage/Birth certificates, attested).
Extension Rules for 2026
If you get a Single Entry (90 Days) visa, can you extend it?
Yes, usually once. You can extend it for another 90 days via Absher (Tawasul service) or the "Absher Individuals" app 7 days before it expires. The Catch: You must pay SAR 100 for the extension + buy new insurance for the extended period. Total stay cannot typically exceed 180 days for single-entry visas.
FAQ: Navigating the Grey Areas
Q: Can I perform Umrah on a Family Visit Visa? A: Yes! The Family Visit Visa allows for Umrah. You simply need to download the Nusuk app and book a permit slot using your visa number. Hajj is strictly prohibited.
Q: My profession is "Laborer" or "Driver." Can I bring my family? A: It is difficult. Low-income professions often face automatic rejection for family visit visas. However, you might be eligible to bring them on a "Umrah Visa" which is open to everyone, though the duration is shorter (90 days maximum).
Q: Is the "Multiple Entry" suspension permanent? A: It is officially "temporary," but it has persisted. If you are from India, Pakistan, or Egypt, assume you will get a single entry. If you are lucky and get multiple, treat it as a bonus.
Q: Do infants need a separate visa application? A: Yes. Every human being, even a 1-day-old baby, needs their own passport, visa application, and insurance policy.
