Top Reasons for Saudi Arabia e-Visa Rejection
Travelers planning Saudi Arabian trips often worry about their visa rejection. Well, if you fill in details in the Saudi Arabia visa application form, chances are it will be approved. However, there are always chances of rejection. Saudi Arabia introduced an e-Visa facility in 2019 for travelers coming from a few countries, what they refer to as visa-exempted countries.
But here's the catch, getting your e-Visa approved isn't always smooth. Many travelers face the disappointment of having their applications rejected, throwing their carefully planned trips into disarray.
Top reasons for Saudi Arabia e-Visa rejections and how you can avoid them
Here are the top reasons for Saudi Arabia e-Visa rejections and how you can avoid them.
You're Not from an Eligible Country
First things first, not everyone can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa. The Kingdom has a specific list of countries whose citizens are eligible for this convenient online visa. If your country isn't on this list, your application will be rejected right off the bat.
Make sure your nation is listed as eligible before you even begin to fill out the application. In case your Saudi Arabia e-Visa application is rejected, you might still be able to visit Saudi Arabia, but you'll need to apply for a different type of visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
You Don't Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria
Even if you're from an eligible country, there are still some basic requirements you need to meet. There are certain criteria that have been set by the Saudi Arabian government to ensure that visitors have sufficient finances to support themselves during their stay in KSA.
The following is what you require:
- A passport that will remain valid after your intended arrival date by at least six months
- Financial proofs guaranteeing your stay in Saudi Arabia
- The ability to pay the visa fees online
- A clear purpose of travel (remember, this e-Visa is for tourism only!)
If you don't tick all these boxes, it's likely that your Saudi e-Visa application form will be rejected. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before applying!
Your Passport Photo Doesn't Make the Cut
You might think any old photo will do, but the Saudi authorities are pretty specific about what they want to see in your visa photo. Using the wrong type of photo size is another common e-Visa rejection.
Here's what your photo needs to be:
- A recent, passport-style photo (no more than 3 months old)
- Taken against a plain white background
- Showing your full face, front view, with eyes open
Take the time to get a proper photo that meets these requirements.
You've Made Mistakes on Your Application Form
Here's where many applicants trip up filling out the application form. When in a hurry, it's common to make mistakes in your e-visa application form unintentionally. But these errors can be the reason for your Saudi e-Visa rejection.
Common mistakes include:
- Misspelling your name (it should match your passport exactly)
- Entering the wrong passport number
- Mixing up numbers and letters (like using "O" instead of "0")
- Providing an incorrect address
The best advice to avoid mistakes on your Saudi Arabia e-Visa application form is to take your time. Double-check every field before you submit.
Your Supporting Documents Are Incomplete or Invalid
While tourist e-Visa applications generally don't require many supporting documents, you might be asked to provide additional information in some cases. If you're applying for a business e-Visa, for example, you'll definitely need to submit extra paperwork.
If you're asked to show additional documents, it's important to provide exactly what's requested. Missing or invalid documents can lead to a swift rejection.
- A letter of invitation (for business visas)
- Proof of your accommodation in Saudi Arabia for your stay
- Evidence to show your sufficient funds
Always submit clear copies of any documents that are asked to be shown. If a document needs to be translated, make sure it's done by a certified translator.
You Don't Meet Health and Security Requirements
Saudi Arabia, like many countries, has specific health and security requirements for visitors. Following the worldwide health crisis, these prerequisites have increased in severity.
While the exact requirements can change, they might include things like:
- Proof of vaccination against certain diseases
- Health insurance coverage for your stay
On the security front, having a criminal record or being on a security watchlist could lead to your e-Visa being rejected. Always be honest in your application, attempting to hide information can lead to more serious consequences.
Your Travel Plans Are Vague or Suspicious
When applying for your e-Visa, you'll need to provide some information about your travel plans. If these seem vague or raise red flags, your application might be rejected.
For example, if you state that you're visiting for tourism but can't provide any information about where you're planning to stay or what you intend to do, this could be seen as suspicious.
Be prepared to provide:
- Your intended arrival and departure dates
- Information about your accommodation
- A general itinerary of your planned activities
Remember, the e-Visa is for tourism purposes. If it seems like you might be planning to work or stay longer than allowed, your application could be rejected.
You Applied for the Wrong Saudi Arabia Visa Type
The Saudi Arabia e-Visa is specifically for tourism purposes. If you're planning to visit for business, study, or any other reason, you'll need to apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa accordingly.
Applying for an e-Visa when your travel purpose doesn't match can lead to a rejection. Always make sure you're applying for the correct type of visa for your specific situation.
You Have a History of Visa Violations
If you've previously overstayed a visa in Saudi Arabia or any other country, or if you've been deported or denied entry somewhere, this could affect your e-Visa application.
The Saudi authorities take visa compliance seriously. A history of violations could lead them to view your application with suspicion and potentially reject it.
Technical Issues During Application
Sometimes, the problem isn't with you or your application at all technical glitches happen. If there's an issue with the online application system when you're submitting your form, it could result in incomplete or corrupted data being sent.
While this is largely out of your control, you can minimize the risk by:
- Using a stable internet connection when applying
- Avoiding submitting your application at the last minute (in case you need to try again)
- Keeping copies of all the information you submit
For travelers visiting KSA, be it for any purpose, having up-to-date knowledge is essential as it saves you from various hassles as well. If your Saudi Arabia e-Visa is not approved for any reason, know that you can reapply for your Saudi Arabia e-Visa.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. Norwegian citizens, South Korean citizens, French citizens, Singapore citizens, Swiss citizens and United States citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.