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Saudi Arabia Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a visa for Saudi Arabia; options include e-Visa for tourism or business, or sticker visas obtained via embassy application for other purposes; apply at visa.mofa.gov.sa for e-Visa, or through the Saudi embassy/consulate for sticker visas.

Guide last updated July 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed. Specific forms are provided by the embassy or online portal.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay. While specific minimum amounts are not publicly stated, it's advisable to show at least USD 1000-1500 per person.
  • Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel bookings for the duration of your stay.
  • Return Ticket: A confirmed round-trip air ticket.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5x4.5 cm) with a white background, showing a full face without head coverings (unless for religious reasons) and neutral expression.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and photograph may be required during the application process at designated centers (e.g., VFS Global).
  • Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory for all visa types. Coverage must include emergency medical expenses and repatriation. Policy details will be specified by the Saudi authorities or visa processing centers.

Visa Types for Afghanistan Citizens

  • Tourist E-Visa:
  • Official Name: Saudi Tourist Visa (eVisa)
  • Validity: Up to 365 days
  • Max Stay: Up to 90 days per visit, not exceeding 180 days in total per year.
  • Entry: Multiple Entry
  • Approximate Fee: SAR 300 (visa fee) + SAR 145 (service fee), totaling SAR 445 (approx. USD 119). Specific fees can vary.
  • Business E-Visa:
  • Official Name: Saudi Business Visa (eVisa)
  • Validity: Up to 365 days
  • Max Stay: Up to 30 days per visit.
  • Entry: Single Entry
  • Approximate Fee: Similar to the Tourist eVisa, SAR 300 (visa fee) + SAR 145 (service fee), totaling SAR 445 (approx. USD 119). Specific fees can vary. Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi company.
  • Work Visa (Employment Visa):
  • Official Name: Saudi Work Visa
  • Validity: Varies based on contract, typically renewable.
  • Max Stay: Dependent on employment contract.
  • Entry: Single or Multiple Entry depending on contract and employer sponsorship.
  • Approximate Fee: Varies significantly, often borne by the employer. Can range from SAR 2000 (approx. USD 533) and above, plus administrative fees.
  • Other Visa Categories (e.g., Family Visit, Hajj, Umrah, Student):
  • These are generally sticker visas requiring direct application through the Saudi Embassy or a designated visa processing center. Fees and durations vary significantly based on the specific category and purpose of visit.

How to apply online (E-Visa)

  • Portal: Visit the official Saudi e-Visa portal: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/
  • Steps:
  • 1. Create an account or log in.
  • 2. Select the appropriate visa type (e.g., Tourist eVisa).
  • 3. Fill out the online application form accurately with personal details, passport information, travel plans, and accommodation.
  • 4. Upload required documents: scanned passport bio-page, recent photograph meeting specifications, and potentially an invitation letter for business visas.
  • 5. Pay the visa fee and service fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • 6. Submit the application.
  • Processing Time: Typically within 5-30 minutes, but can take up to 72 hours in some cases.
  • Approval: If approved, the e-Visa will be sent to your registered email address. You should print a copy to present upon arrival.

Fees & Processing Time

  • E-Visa Fee: SAR 300 (visa fee) + SAR 145 (service fee) = SAR 445 (approx. USD 119). This is subject to change.
  • VFS/BLS Service Fee: Not applicable for e-Visa applications. Applicable for sticker visa applications, typically around USD 20-50 per applicant.
  • Total Cost Estimate (E-Visa): Approximately USD 119.
  • Standard Processing Time (E-Visa): Typically within 5-30 minutes, but allow up to 72 hours.
  • Express/Priority Option: Not generally available for e-Visa. For urgent sticker visas, express processing might be an option at the embassy/consulate or through VFS Global, with additional fees. This needs to be confirmed at the time of application.

Tips for Afghanistan Travelers

  • Apply in Advance: For e-Visas, apply at least 7-10 days before your intended travel date to account for any unforeseen delays. For sticker visas, allow 4-6 weeks.
  • Common Rejection Reasons: Incomplete or inaccurate application forms, insufficient financial proof, unclear passport scans, past immigration violations (in any country), and lack of confirmed accommodation or return tickets.
  • VFS/BLS vs. Direct Embassy Application: For sticker visas, applying through a designated visa application center (like VFS Global or BLS International, if appointed by the Saudi mission) can streamline the process and offer additional services, but direct application at the embassy is also an option. Check the Saudi Embassy in Afghanistan's website or MOFA portal for current submission channels.
  • Travel Advisories: Always check the latest travel advisories from your country's foreign ministry and reputable international sources before planning your trip. Currently, general travel to Saudi Arabia is permitted for visa holders, but specific security advisories may exist.
  • Extension Options: Visa extensions for tourist or visit visas within Saudi Arabia are generally not permitted. You must depart the Kingdom before your visa expires and reapply if you wish to return. Work visa extensions are handled by the employer through the Saudi Ministry of Labor and Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.