Visiting Saudi Arabia Visa for Greece Citizens is easier than many people think β especially if you hold a Greek passport. Below I walk you through everything you need to know: who needs a visa, how to apply, what to expect, and common questions travellers from Greece often have.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes β if you are a Greek citizen and plan to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, you generally need a visa to enter.
Fortunately, for many Greek travellers, there is a convenient option: an online electronic visa (eVisa), which means you donβt need to do a traditional sticker-type visa.
What are the requirements for a Saudi eVisa for Greek citizens?
If youβre applying for the tourist eVisa as a Greek traveller, you will need to meet the following:
- Valid passport: Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Passport information: You will need to provide accurate details from your passport, including the passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background is required for the application. It should meet the specified dimensions and quality criteria.
Once approved, you will receive the eVisa by email. You should print a copy (or have it digital) and present it along with your passport when you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
How Can I Apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa as a Greek National?
To apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa as a Greek citizen, you need to follow these steps:
- Application form: Fill out the online Saudi Arabia eVisa application form accurately, ensuring that all information matches the details on your passport.
- Supporting documents: Upload the required supporting documents, such as a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page, a recent photograph.
- Pay the visa fee: Make the payment for the Saudi Arabia eVisa application fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary based on the visa’s validity period and other factors.
- Apply: Review all the information you provided, make any necessary corrections, and then submit your completed application.
- Wait for approval: The Saudi Arabian authorities will review your application and notify you of the outcome via email. The processing time can vary, but it is typically within a few working days.
- Receive your eVisa: If your application is approved, you will receive your Saudi Arabia eVisa electronically. It is recommended to print a copy or save it digitally to present upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Is there a fee for the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Greek nationals?
Yes β there is a fee associated with the eVisa.
(Note: since you asked me to avoid explicitly mentioning the fee amount, Iβm not writing the number here.)
What is the validity period of a Saudi Arabia eVisa for Greek travellers?
For Greek citizens, the tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued.
During this period, you can use the visa for multiple entries (depending on the grant), and each time you enter, you can stay for up to 90 days.
Important: if your Greek passport expires before the end of that one-year eVisa validity, the eVisa becomes invalid too β so ensure your passport is valid long enough.
Are Greek citizens allowed to work in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
No β the tourist eVisa is for tourism, leisure, maybe events, visiting, or short-term visits (and for some cases religious visits such as Umrah).
Working β such as employment, long-term residence or official business employment β is not permitted under the tourist eVisa. That requires a different visa type (not the eVisa).
How long does it take to process a Saudi eVisa for Greek citizens?
According to information for Greek travellers:
β± Normal Processing
With the standard processing option, Greek citizens generally receive their Saudi Arabia eVisa within 1β2 working days. This choice is best for travelers who have planned ahead and are not in a hurry.
β‘ Rush Processing
The rush option speeds things up for applicants who need their eVisa sooner. Processing typically takes around 6β12 hours, making it a good middle-ground choice for those who need faster service but still have some flexibility.
π Super Rush Processing
For extremely urgent travel needs, the super rush option provides the fastest turnaround. Applicants may receive their eVisa within 1 hour or just a few hours, depending on the situation. This option is ideal for last-minute or emergency trips.
Can I apply for the Saudi Arabia Urgent eVisa?
Yes, the Saudi Arabia Urgent Visa or fast-track option is usually available.
If you’re traveling on short noticeβmaybe for an event, a sudden plan, or a spontaneous adventureβyou can choose the urgent processing option for quicker approval.
For best results: apply as early as possible, check all your details carefully, and avoid last-minute stress.
Can I extend my Saudi Arabia eVisa if I am a Greek citizen?
From what is reported: yes β technically there is a possibility to request an extension of stay if you are in Saudi Arabia and have an eVisa.
But: extensions are at the discretion of Saudi authorities and are not guaranteed.
So if you plan on staying longer, treat extension as a βmaybe,β not a guarantee β and be ready for the possibility it might not be allowed.
What is the difference between a Saudi Arabia eVisa and a regular visa for Greek citizens?
Hereβs a simple breakdown:
- eVisa: Applied online; no need to visit in person before travel (no sticker in advance); good for tourism, short visits, Umrah (outside Hajj season), events, and similar; valid for one year, multiple entries, 90-day stay per entry.
- Regular (Consular) Visa: Offered when your situation doesnβt fit eVisa requirements (for example some business or specialized purposes, or non-eligible nationalities); requires more documentation (invitation letters, passport copies, photos, etc.), sometimes a formal application step beyond simple online form.
For many Greek tourists or travellers on vacation, the eVisa is simpler and more convenient.
Do Greek citizens need a separate visa for Makkah or Madinah?
No β there is no separate visa requirement for Makkah or Madinah if you already hold a valid eVisa (or visa) for Saudi Arabia. The eVisa allows entry to the country, and once inside you may travel within Saudi Arabia as permitted by your visaβs terms.
That said: if you plan on performing religious pilgrimage like Umrah under the tourist eVisa, that is allowed β but only outside the official Hajj season.
Can I travel to Saudi Arabia using a tourist eVisa from Greece?
Yes β absolutely. As a Greek citizen, you are eligible for the tourist eVisa, which you can apply for from Greece, then travel to Saudi Arabia by air, land or sea with that eVisa.
Upon arrival, you must present the eVisa (printed or digital copy) along with your passport.
How do I know if my Saudi Arabia eVisa has been approved?
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation by email.
The eVisa will arrive as an email attachment. Once you get that, make sure to print it or save a clear digital copy β thatβs what you show when you enter Saudi Arabia.
If there are any issues (for example, passport validity, incorrect passport info, missing photo, etc.), your application may be rejected β in which case youβll be informed via the same email address.
Can Greek citizens apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa for business purposes?
The standard tourist eVisa is meant for tourism, visiting, events, short visits, Umrah (outside Hajj) and similar.
If your purpose is genuine business (employment, working, long-term stay or commercial work), then the eVisa is not the right visa. You would need a special business/work visa. That process is more complex and involves additional documentation like invitation letters, proof of employment or business activity, and passport requirements.
Can Greek citizens use a Saudi Arabian eVisa for transit purposes?
Yes β for many travellers, the eVisa allows entry for tourism, events, visiting β and also for transit through Saudi Arabia (depending on the circumstances).
That means if you are flying via Saudi Arabia or travelling by land/sea and passing through, the eVisa can generally cover you. However, always check the latest official travel guidance before planning.
Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa Fee Refundable if Rejected?
- Refunds are allowed only if the application has not started processing.
- No refunds once processing begins or after a visa is issued.
- Refunds may be considered for health/emergency reasons, technical issues, or wrong visa type, but only before processing starts.
- If a visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
- Refunds go back to the same payment method.
- Processing time depends on your bank (4β17 business days).
- A $20+ refund processing fee applies.
- Exchange rate differences may affect the final refund amount.
- Refunds may be cancelled if customer-side issues occur.
Travel Tips for Greek Visitors to Saudi Arabia
- Apply early: donβt wait until the last minute. Submit your eVisa application well before your travel date to avoid stress.
- Check passport validity: ensure your Greek passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date β otherwise your eVisa will be invalid.
- Have your eVisa ready: print or have a digital copy to show at border control with your passport.
- Follow the rules: stay within the 90-day per visit limit; donβt assume you can work or stay long-term.
- Plan stays carefully: if you want to stay longer, check if extension is possible β but donβt rely on it.
- Travel style: whether you want to explore cities, do sightseeing, visit cultural sites, or (outside Hajj) do Umrah β plan accordingly. eVisa supports tourism, events, and short religious visits (like Umrah, but not Hajj).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) β Saudi eVisa for Greeks
Q: What if I apply too close to my travel date and the eVisa hasnβt arrived yet?
A: Thatβs risky β if the eVisa hasnβt arrived, you might be denied boarding or entry. Better to apply early (at least a few days ahead).
Q: Can I do Umrah with the tourist eVisa?
A: Yes β under conditions. The tourist eVisa allows Umrah visits, but only outside the official Hajj season.
Q: What if my passport expires in a few months?
A: Then your eVisa may become invalid β always ensure at least six months remaining validity at time of entry.
Q: I made a mistake in the application β can I correct it?
A: If possible, do it before submitting. A mistake might lead to rejection, or even problems entering Saudi Arabia.
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