Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Official entry and visa eligibility guide for citizens of Afghanistan. Explore requirements for consular visas, Umrah, and pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Visa Eligibility for Citizens of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Understanding the entry requirements for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is essential for travelers from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Currently, Saudi Arabia maintains specific visa protocols for Afghan nationals to ensure secure and orderly travel for tourism, business, and religious purposes. Unlike countries in the simplified e-visa program, citizens of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan generally follow the traditional consular application pathway. At applysaudievisa.com, we provide the necessary guidance to help you navigate these eligibility requirements efficiently.
Current Eligibility Status: Consular Visa Required
As of the latest updates from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not currently part of the electronic visa (e-visa) or visa-on-arrival programs. This means that Afghan passport holders must apply for a visa through the official Saudi Embassy or an authorized visa application center (such as VFS Tasheer).
Standard Entry: Requires a physical visa stamp in the passport.
Purpose of Travel: Eligibility covers categories such as work, family visit, business, and the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.
Religious Travel: Umrah and Hajj for Afghan Citizens
The Kingdom holds a special place for the citizens of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan due to the presence of the Two Holy Mosques.
Umrah Visa: Afghan nationals can apply for a specific Umrah visa through licensed travel agencies. While not eligible for the 175-dollar tourist e-visa, dedicated religious visas are issued with specific stay durations for Makkah and Madinah.
Hajj Visa: This requires a specialized application process involving the Afghan Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs and the Saudi government quotas.
Potential E-Visa Exceptions
There is a specific condition where a citizen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan might become eligible for a Saudi e-visa. If you hold a valid, used Schengen, United States, or United Kingdom visa, or if you hold a permanent residency in one of these regions, you may qualify for the e-visa or visa-on-arrival program regardless of your original nationality. In these cases, our professional review services for the 175-dollar standard or 225-dollar express processing would apply.
Processing Fees and Professional Guidance
Since the majority of applications for Afghan citizens require consular visits, the fees are determined by the Saudi Embassy and the type of visa requested.
Consular Fees: These vary and are paid directly to the embassy or service center.
Consultancy Services: At applysaudievisa.com, we offer expert document preparation services to ensure your embassy application is not rejected due to technical errors. Contact our support team for a custom quote on document pre-screening.
Essential Requirements for Application
To apply for a Saudi visa, citizens of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must generally provide:
Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
Proof of Residence: Documentation of current living status.
Financial Ability: Bank statements or proof of income.
Sponsorship: Often required for work or certain family visit categories.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Eligibility
Can I apply for a Saudi e-visa online with an Afghan passport?
Currently, direct e-visa applications are not available for Afghan citizens unless they meet the exception criteria (holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa). Otherwise, a traditional embassy visa is required.
How long does it take to get a visa for Afghan citizens?
Embassy processing times vary but typically range from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the visa category and the current volume of applications at the Saudi consulate.
Is health insurance required for Afghan travelers?
Yes, regardless of the visa type, Saudi Arabia requires all foreign visitors to have medical insurance that covers emergencies within the Kingdom. This is usually issued as part of the visa approval process.
