There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia's e-visa rejection is devastating for tourists as it disrupts their travel plans. If you are planning a short-term trip to Saudi Arabia on an electronic or Visa, avoiding mistakes that lead to visa rejection or refusal is necessary. On this page, you will find all the required details on visa rejection reasons and how to avoid denial.

Why Saudi Arabia's Electronic Visa and Visa Gets Rejected?

Please keep in mind that the information you provide in the Saudi Arabia visa application form is cross-checked with your passport. If any mismatch is found, the visa approving authority may deem it reasonable to reject the visa.

However, there can be many other reasons for your visa to be rejected. We have listed some of the reasons your visa may be refused.

The Country is Ineligible for an E-Visa

You come from a country ineligible for an e-visa. Please refer to the list of countries citizens of which can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa.

Here are the counties that are eligible for an e-visa:
Eligible Countries for Saudi Arabia Visa

The Applicant is Ineligible for an E-Visa

You do not meet the Saudi Arabian government's e-visa eligibility requirements. In this regard, please refer to the eligibility criteria before applying for the Saudi Arabia electronic visa. The primary requirements every applicant must meet include:

• A valid passport with 6 months left in its expiry;
• The purpose of travel is tourism;
• The applicant can afford their stay in Saudi Arabia;
• They can pay the visa fees online.

Health and Security Requirements

You do not meet the health and security requirements. There are specific requirements every e-visa applicant must meet to keep the country safe. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, every traveler must also meet mandatory health-related needs.

Incorrect Visa Photograph

Your Saudi Arabia Visa photograph may not match the Saudi immigration department's pre-defined criteria. Remember that a passport-style photo is necessary to upload when submitting an e-visa application. Please find out the details on the correct dimensions, file size, and color/facial angle requirements before uploading the image.

For instance, the traveler's full front face should be visible on the photograph, it must be taken against a white background, and it must not be more than 3 months old are some of the main requirements.

Spelling And Information Mismatching

Information mismatch and inaccuracy almost always result in visa rejection. Many travelers make the mistake of hurriedly filling out the Saudi Arabia e-visa application form and ignore typo errors, spelling mistakes, and information accuracy.

When completing the application, it is necessary to fill out all the fields and refer to your passport's biography page. For instance, your name spelling must be the same on your passport and your e-visa application. Similarly, always use one passport when applying for a visa and take the same passport when traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Other common errors on the application form include inconsistencies in numbers and letters, such as writing the letter O where you are required to write zero 0. Address mistake or mismatch, and wrong passport number.

If the passport is due for expiration, please do not use it to apply for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia. Always apply after renewing the passport.

Supporting Documents Errors

The visa application can also be rejected upon submitting wrong or invalid supporting documents, especially if applying for a business visa. If a letter of invitation is required, you must provide it. Otherwise, the application will not be processed. If this letter is needed, the authorities will generate a new visa invitation number placed on the employer support letter and attested by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). However, tourists need not provide this letter unless specifically asked by the Saudi authorities.

E-Visa Does Not Guarantee Entry into Saudi Arabia:

Unfortunately, the approval of an e-visa does not guarantee that you will get to enter Saudi Arabia upon arriving in the country. That's because of several reasons, which are as follows:

The senior visa officials are tasked with making the final decision regarding the visa. They decide after reviewing every application manually. Usually, they consider Saudi Arabia's internal visa policies but may also refer to MOFA guidelines.

Another reason is that the authorities may require additional information after you have submitted the e-visa application. The applicant will be asked to submit additional documents/information based on the official's analysis. This may make the visa processing phase longer than expected

The approval or rejection of your e-visa lies with Saudi Arabia's immigration authorities. Rarely are the applications denied, but it can happen when the applicant doesn't meet the eligibility criteria or has provided misleading, false, or incomplete data.

How to Reduce your e-Visa Rejection Chances?

You may take certain steps to limit your chances of e-visa rejection. This is done by avoiding some of the most common mistakes applicants generally make when completing the online application form. Here are some ways to prevent Saudi Arabia e-visa rejection:

• Always check that you are eligible for the e-visa and meet all the requirements.
• Check your passport's validity. It must have at least six months' validity after arriving in KSA.
• Always complete the e-visa form very carefully. When filling it out, copy the information just as it appears on the passport. Cross-check for spelling errors and spacing issues.
• Before submitting the e-visa application, you will be asked to review it before hitting the Submit button. At this stage, you must thoroughly check your entries and carefully match information with your passport.

What if your e-visa application is Rejected?

In case your visa has been rejected, you will receive a notification. If additional paperwork is needed, you will be duly notified. You can always provide the required documents, such as an invitation letter, a new photograph, or any changes to the travel plans. However, you cannot make any changes to the application form.

So, one of the two options for you is to reapply for another visa. However, this option is open for those who meet the e-visa eligibility criteria and whose application was rejected due to other reasons, such as passport expiry, information inaccuracy, missing supporting documents, etc.

If you do not meet the e-visa qualification criteria, then reapplying for the same visa would not yield desired results. In this scenario, you can use option two to apply for a different type of visa through a Saudi Arabian consulate or embassy.

What conditions should you meet to obtain a Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa?

• Properly completed application
• At least six-month passport validity
• Health Insurance: Contact the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia immigration authority to obtain health insurance. You will receive options for nearby health insurance companies as soon as your Enjaz form has been processed.
• Evidence of lodging (hotel, house, etc.) for the period of the applicant's stay in Saudi Arabia
• USD$$ or SAR --- in visa fees and insurance. The visa is suitable for a maximum of 365 days, a maximum stay of 90 days at a time, and multiple entries.
• Applicants must be 18 years old unless a legal guardian is present.
• Round-trip fare and travel schedule
• Evidence of employment
• Financial stability and bank statement
• Comprehensive personal data, including the applicant's American home address

Frequently asked questions