Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting up-and-coming destinations for travelers around the world, and it is easier than ever to visit the country following the introduction of the Saudi Arabia online visa on September, 27th, 2019.
The Saudi eVisa for German citizens allows visitors to stay for a total of 90 days per visit for the purposes of tourism during its one year validity period. It is available through a simple online application which only takes minutes to complete. The Saudi Arabia eVisa now allows travelers from eligible nationalities, to obtain a visa and travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Keep reading to learn more about the simple and straightforward visa application process, what to expect, and how to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa from Germany.
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for German Citizens
All German citizens are required to have an Online Visa before they can travel to the country. There are a variety of different visa options, such as business visas, religious pilgrimage visas, and family visas, but the simplest to obtain is the electronic visa (eVisa) for tourism.
There are a few important visa requirements for German citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia, which can be found outlined below:
- The applicant’s German passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- They must provide one (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background is needed
- Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly
- They must pay a fee to obtain the Saudi Arabia visa
To complete the application form German travelers must provide the required information below:
- Personal information: full name, address, date of birth
- Passport details: document number, expiration date, nationality
- Travel itinerary: travel dates and accommodation address in Saudi Arabia
Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa from Germany
There is a variety of different options to obtain a Saudi Arabia visa for holders of a German passport. The quickest and easiest way to get a visa is to apply for it online.
One of the many advantages of the Saudi Arabia eVisa is that candidates do not need to wait in line, travel to an embassy, or have a face-to-face interview with an immigration officer in order to get the visa. German applicants only need to fill out the online application form with the required details and wait to receive their approved eVisa via email.
Another benefit of the Saudi Arabia eVisa is that it is issued including a Mandatory Medical Insurance that covers German travelers during their stay in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Arabia visa application form only takes a few minutes to complete. Candidates need to provide the documentation and information listed in the guide above and pay the visa fees with a credit or debit card.
After completing the form and submitting payment, visitors need to wait for the approval of their eVisa. This process usually takes as little as 3 business days, but the waiting period could take longer in certain cases, due to high demand and other eventualities. Once processed, the eVisa will be sent to the email address the applicant provided during the application.
In order to be granted access to Saudi Arabia, the traveler will have to show their passport along with a copy of the Saudi Arabian eVisa to border officials.
Saudi Arabia Offers eVisa Travel for German Citizens
Saudi Arabia has now simplified the visa process thanks to a new initiative taken by the country’s crown prince, Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud, in hopes of expanding the Saudi Arabian tourist industry.
Travelers from nearly 50 countries, including Germany, are now able to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) from the comfort of their homes. If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, it is strongly advised to start your Saudi Arabia eVisa application as soon as you know your travel itinerary. Once your eVisa for Saudi Arabia is approved, it will allow you to travel to the Kingdom for up to 90 days per stay, and a total of 180 days within its 1-year validity.
FAQ Saudi Arabia eVisa for Germans
Saudi Arabia is a very safe country to visit as a tourist. It boasts a very low crime rate and it is rare for foreign visitors to encounter any problems related to personal safety.
Nevertheless, it is advised that German tourists visiting the country remain mindful of local customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, as with a visit to any foreign city, it is recommended to keep up to date with news and current affairs within the country as well as remaining aware of your surroundings and possessions.
For more information please refer to our comprehensive guide to safety in Saudi Arabia.
It is possible for German citizens to obtain a tourist visa on arrival into Saudi Arabia. In order to do this, the traveler will need to queue for a meeting with an immigration official before entering the country. The border guard on duty will then check the visitor’s personal information and identity documents to see if they fit the correct criteria to enter.
This is a longer process than entering the country with a Saudi eVisa obtained in advance. Also, in this situation, if the correct requirements for the visa on arrival are not met then the applicant will not be permitted entry into the country.
It is not necessary to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate in Germany in order to obtain a tourist visa for German citizens. However, for inquiries and to acquire other types of Saudi visas such as Hajj, Commercial and Residency permits, you will need to make contact with a local overseas mission for Saudi Arabia.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Berlin:
- Head of mission: Dr. med Ossama Abdulmajed Ali Shobokshi, Ambassador
- Address: Kurfürstendamm 63, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Email: dembasy@mfa.gov.sa
- Fax: (+49) 30 88 92 51 79
- Telephone: (+49) 30 88 92 50
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:00