Until recently Saudi Arabia was once considered one of the hardest nations to visit due to its strict visa requirements. However, Japanese travelers are now able to easily visit this fascinating country thanks to a specialized eVisa program.
The government of Saudi Arabia introduced an electronic visa for tourism in September 2019 for citizens of over 45 countries, including Japan.
The country now welcomes travelers from all over the world to explore its many historical and cultural sights. Read on to find out how you can quickly and easily apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa as a Japanese citizen traveling to the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Japanese Citizens
Saudi Arabia requires all Japanese citizens to obtain a visa before visiting the Kingdom. There are various types of Saudi visas available, such as business visas, family visas, religious visas, and the new eVisa for tourism purposes.
The eVisa is specially designed for Japanese travelers visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, or business.
If you are a Japanese citizen traveling to Saudi Arabia, you need to meet the following requirements when applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa:
- Hold a valid Japanese passport that is machine-readable (MRP) or an IC passport
- Have at least two (2) back-to-back blank visa pages in your Japanese passport
- Have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- Submit an email address to receive the approved Saudi Arabia eVisa and notifications regarding your application
- Provide details for a valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa for Japanese Citizens
Japanese citizens will find the procedures for applying for a Saudi Arabian visa to be easy and straightforward. The Saudi Arabia Visa application process from Japan should take no more than 10 minutes to complete as long as you have the requirements stated above on hand.
The Saudi Arabia eVisa can be obtained entirely online, without having to wait in line nor visit an embassy or consulate. Travelers are asked to answer basic personal and passport questions such as name, address, date of birth, as well as provide a simple travel itinerary (accommodations, activities, etc.).
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabia eVisa has an added benefit in that it is issued with Mandatory Medical Insurance included. This insurance covers Japanese visitors during their stay in the Kingdom. The insurance provider is chosen randomly by the Saudi authorities at the moment they approve the eVisa.
Through the online system, candidates need to provide the required details, pay the visa fee. Once approved the eVisa will be sent directly to your email inbox alongside the insurance policy.
Traveling from Japan to Saudi Arabia with an eVisa
When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you need to present your passport along with a copy of your eVisa in order to be granted access into the country. The eVisa for Saudi Arabia is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and can be obtained from the comfort of your home or office anywhere in the world.
The electronic visa grants Japanese holders multiple entries into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of up to 90 days at a time.
Saudi Arabia Offers eVisa Travel for Japanese Citizens
As far back as 2017, the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud, visited Japan to discuss cooperation between the 2 countries with Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito. Since then the eVisa has been launched, allowing its citizens to easily visit the Middle Eastern Kingdom.
The introduction of the Saudi eVisa means that Japanese nationals can travel to Saudi Arabia and see famous World Heritage attractions such as the Archaeological Site of Al-Hijur, the historical city of Jeddah, and the Tsurufu district of Direiya without going through lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
Saudi Arabia is also an excellent base to travel to other countries in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and many more. The region offers a unique cultural experience and sights that can be enjoyed anywhere else in the world.
Getting ready for a trip to Saudi Arabia takes very little time to prepare. Register for your eVisa today to prepare to experience the Kingdom in all its glory.