Navigating Saudi Visas in 2025: A Quick Guide for Travelers and Businesses

Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the Middle East, offering opportunities for tourism, business, pilgrimage, and employment.

For individuals and companies considering business setup in Saudi Arabia, understanding the latest visa rules, categories, and validity-check processes is crucial to ensure smooth entry and uninterrupted operations.

In 2025, several updates to Saudi visa regulations aim to simplify procedures, enhance digital services, and provide greater flexibility for residents, tourists, and business travelers. 

- Key Updates to Saudi Visa Rules in 2025 

1. Visa Access for Previously Restricted Countries
   Saudi Arabia has resumed issuing visas for travelers from 14 countries, including India, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Morocco. Single-entry visas are now granted for tourism, business, and family visits. The maximum stay has been increased from 30 days to 90 days, and letters of invitation no longer need to specify entry numbers or validity periods. 

2. Nusuk Umrah Platform Upgrade
   The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an upgraded Nusuk digital platform on August 20, 2025. Pilgrims can now apply directly for visas online, select accommodation, and book Umrah tours, all through a single, multilingual portal. This streamlined process eliminates the need for intermediaries and ensures a smoother religious travel experience.
    

3. Exit and Re-Entry Visas
   Exit and re-entry (ERE) visas can now be issued and extended online through the Muqeem and Absher platforms. Key changes include: 

• Passport validity requirements eased from 90 to 60 days for certain categories 

• Fingerprint collection required for residents aged 15 and above 

• New fee structure: single exit/re-entry visas start at SAR 200, and multiple entry permits start at SAR 500 

 Employers can also cancel ERE permits digitally via the Absher platform, ensuring more efficient administrative processes for businesses. 

- Saudi Visa Categories 

Saudi Arabia offers a range of visas tailored to different purposes. Here’s a list of the important ones. 

1. Tourist e-Visa 

• Valid for 1 year with multiple entries 

• Each stay up to 90 days, total stay not exceeding 180 days 

2. Business Visa 

• Requires sponsorship by a Saudi company or organization 

• Ideal for professionals attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities 

• Includes required documentation such as invitation letters, passport copies, and bank statements 

3. Employment Visa 

• Sponsorship from a Saudi employer required 

• Includes a Professional Verification Scheme for nationals from specific countries and certain technical fields 

• Residency permits (Iqama) issued upon arrival for long-term employment 

4. Residence Visa 

• For expatriates planning long-term stay with family 

• Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and relevant family documents 

5. Hajj and Umrah Visas 

• Managed through the Nusuk platform 

• Includes age restrictions and waiting periods for repeat pilgrims 

• Simplified booking and visa issuance processes 

6. Temporary Work Visa 

• Valid up to three months with a possible 30-day extension 

• Requires employer sponsorship, medical certification, and police clearance 

- Checking Saudi Visa Validity 

Staying informed about visa validity is essential for both travelers and businesses. Saudi Arabia provides multiple digital platforms for this purpose: 

• Enjazit Portal: Allows visa holders to track status by entering visa type, passport number, and nationality 

• MOFA Website: Provides another official method to check visa details using the application number, Iqama, or national identity number 

• Absher Platform: Especially useful for residents already in Saudi Arabia 

• Muqeem Platform: For employer-managed exit/re-entry visas 

- Practical Tips for Managing Saudi Visas 

• Apply for visas well in advance of travel dates 

• Keep digital and printed copies of visas and passports 

• Apply for extensions before the visa expires, especially for long-term stays or business purposes 

• Ensure that your visa type aligns with your intended activity, particularly for business, employment, or religious travel 

- Why Understanding Visa Rules Matters for Businesses? 

For companies exploring company formation in the KSA, compliance with visa regulations is critical. Business visas, employment permits, and residency rules directly affect workforce planning, international collaborations, and operational continuity.

Employers must ensure proper sponsorship, documentation, and adherence to ERE and residency regulations to avoid penalties or operational delays. Business owners planning business setup in Saudi Arabia should integrate visa compliance into their operational strategy. 

Proper understanding of residency permits and visa types ensures smoother onboarding of expatriate employees, timely approvals for international clients, and compliance with local labor laws. 

In Summary 

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 visa updates reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating travel, supporting business growth, and modernizing administrative processes. Whether you are visiting for leisure, conducting business, or relocating with your family, understanding the correct visa category and validity-check procedures is essential. 

Leveraging digital platforms like Nusuk, Muqeem, Absher, Enjazit, and MOFA streamlines the process, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. For investors, staying informed on these regulations is a key component of Saudi business setup and accessing the Kingdom’s growing market efficiently.