Can my girlfriend get a tourist visa for a visit?

Last activity 08 October 2023 by admallik1970

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robbie2618New member10 April 2022 10:19:53

My friend just had his significant other come over for a two week visit from the states. She just got a tourist visa and did not have to present any documents it sounded like and was all done online. She is from the States, my friend and I only have 5 year business visas no Aqama.

My girlfriend wants to also come on her vacation for a couple weeks but she is it not from the States but Thailand. Is it possible for her to also get a tourist visa? Not a family visit visa.

When I read the steps it seems pretty simple, application, pictures, passport , appointment at embassy and invitation letter from friend or relative. But after talking about invitation letter from friend it then says letter from MOFA? Do I need that letter or does a invitation letter from me suffice?

Thanks for the help

XTangBahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert10 April 2022 10:45:11

11676

It's not about girlfriend but about the nationality. If you are from a western country, you can apply online for a tourist visa and get it within minutes. If you are not, you will have to submit all the necessary (and unnecessary documentation) at the visa center in your home country.

Having said that, I am not sure where you are getting the requirements from - it could be that they are specific to Thailand only (As relations with Thailand only normalized recently). For a standard tourist visa, you don't need an invitation letter (and MOFA letter is a pre-approved visa for family visit - girlfriend's don't qualify for that). As an example, the below are requirements for residents of Bahrain applying for a tourist visa:

Valid passport not less than 6-month validity, Considering any agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and some countries regarding the passport validity.

Copy of the CPR.

CPR reader print out.

Copy of the residence permit.

Hotel booking.

Round trip flight ticket.

HR letter from the company stating the job title and purpose of travel

Bank statement for 6 month.

Age should be above 18 years old, otherwise should be escorted by a parent.

Tour program stating the activities that will be done in Saudi Arabia.

robbie2618New member10 April 2022 10:57:11

@XTang Thanks for the info, that requirement about the invitation letter was off one of the passport agency's website but I did find where it also sayed invite letter is not required on another so hopefully there won't be an issue. Do you know if they are now requiring to have three covid vaccine shots to enter? I arrived with just two but I heard they are wanting the booster now but did not see that on any embassy website just said vaccination proof and I think insurance.

XTangBahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert10 April 2022 11:00:22

11676

1) No vaccination or PCR test for entry nowadays

2) Don't look at agency websites. Try to find the requirements on the KSA Embassy website or on the website of the authorized visa agent for the KSA Embassy (It's VFS Tahseel for a lot of countries, Etimad for Pakistan/India etc etc)

robbie2618New member10 April 2022 11:19:07

@XTang Thanks!

Sayed Maqsood AhmedMember10 April 2022 13:22:05

@robbie2618

As per the new visa rules of Saudi Arabia Muslims US and schengen nationals can get umrah visa on arrival to Saudi Arabia.

If u r muslim then your girl friend can visit you on umrah visa

bduckworth81Member19 November 2022 08:03:59

@robbie2618 what did you figure out? I have a Thai girlfriend as well that wants to come visit me

admallik1970Member08 October 2023 01:50:01

@XTang one indian expat and other moroccoan expat with iqama ..can they stay together in apartment? Or hotel...in saudi arabia

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