An electronic visa to Saudi Arabia for Belgian citizens and nationals of over 45 other countries around the world was implemented in September 2019, offering the quickest and easiest method for Belgian travelers to visit the Kingdom. The country has recently become more open and flexible for travelers by softening the strict laws that had previously established it as one of the most difficult international destinations for visitors to enjoy.
The online visa for Saudi Arabia allows citizens of eligible countries, including Belgium, to enter Saudi Arabia for touristic purposes, and is valid for a total of 1 year from its date of issuance.
The introduction of the Saudi Arabia eVisa will make it easier for many travelers to visit the country. This is a new initiative for Saudi Arabia to boost visitor numbers and revenue, as well as to become more open to international visitors interested in Saudi Arabian culture and traditions.
Documents Required to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa from Belgium
Apart from citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, who are able to enter Saudi Arabia visa-free, only business travelers and religious visitors could previously come to Saudi Arabia. Citizens of Qatar and Israel are still currently refused entry to the country.
However, the Saudi Arabian eVisa is now available to citizens of over 45 countries, including Schengen Area states, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the USA, and Taiwan. The list of eligible countries is also expected to be expanded in the near future.
At present though, non-Muslim visitors are not able to travel to the city of Mecca and the center of Medina with the eVisa.
Belgian citizens must apply for and obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia from Belgium online before departing their home country in order to legally enter the Kingdom for purposes of tourism.
Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Belgian citizens include the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Saudi Arabia
- A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee
- A completed eVisa online application form
- An email address to receive the approved eVisa
Any further requirements for the Saudi eVisa will be made available on this website once announced by the government of Saudi Arabia.
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa for Belgian Citizens
A key eVisa requirement for Belgian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia is the completion of the online application form, which the applicant must fill in from Belgium before departure. The applicants will be able to complete this in around 10 minutes with their personal and passport information.
A major advantage of the electronic visa application is the fact that the applicants will be able to submit the form and obtain the visa from the comfort of their own home or office, eliminating the need for embassy or consulate appointments, interviews, and long waiting times for a response.
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa online for Belgian citizens is usually processed within 24 hours, up to a maximum of 72 hours. The process will only take longer in rare cases where additional supporting documentation is required or in cases of mistakes on the application. Therefore, travelers are required to double-check the information provided to avoid any possible complications.
It is necessary to fill in the following information on the online application form, in capital letters:
- Personal information – Full name, address
- Passport information – Passport number, expiry date, nationality
- Health information – Health history
- Security information – Criminal conviction history
- Travel information – Itinerary, hotel bookings, dates
Once the application is approved, a copy of the Saudi Arabia eVisa from Belgium will be sent to the applicant’s email address with 3-5 working days, and the visa will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport number.
Travelers are advised to print out a copy of the email containing the Saudi Arabian visa in order to present at border control officials.
Upon arrival in the country, travelers should keep in mind that it is important to abide by the country’s Islamic laws, regulations, and traditions, such as the dress code and laws surrounding alcoholic beverages, among others.