Saudi Arabia Visa Overview for Vietnamese Citizens
Saudi Arabia opened to tourism in 2019 with an eVisa (electronic visa) issued within minutes. However, the tourist eVisa is limited to a set of eligible nationalities — and Vietnam is not on the list of countries that can apply for the eVisa directly. This is the single most important point to understand before you apply.
Which Route Applies to Vietnamese Citizens?
Vietnamese passport holders have two main routes:
- eVisa route (indirect): You ONLY qualify for the tourist eVisa if you hold a valid tourist or business visa issued by the US, UK, or a Schengen state, or permanent residence in those countries; or a GCC residence permit valid for at least 3 months. In that case you apply online at the official portal visa.visitsaudi.com.
- Embassy / Enjazit route (direct): If you do not hold one of those visas or residencies, you must apply for a sticker visa through the Saudi embassy, typically via the Enjazit system and authorized agents. This route is common for business, work, and Umrah purposes.
Eligible-nationality policy changes frequently. Verify directly at visa.visitsaudi.com and with the Saudi embassy before applying.
Common Purposes of Travel
- Tourism: Sightseeing, events, visiting relatives — the eVisa allows performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- Umrah: Pilgrimage; can be done on the tourist eVisa (if eligible) or a dedicated Umrah visa through an authorized agent.
- Business: Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi partner; applied for through the embassy/Enjazit.
- Work: Sponsored by an employer through the Enjazit system; a separate process, not the eVisa.
Application Process
eVisa Route (If Eligible)
- Go to the official portal visa.visitsaudi.com (this is the only official website).
- Create an account and enter your passport details and purpose of travel.
- Upload a square 200x200 px portrait photo that meets the spec (see table below).
- Pay the fee (mandatory medical insurance is included).
- Receive the eVisa by email, usually within minutes to 24 hours.
Embassy / Enjazit Route
- Prepare paper documents for your visa type (tourism, business, Umrah, work).
- Register the application through the Enjazit system and/or an authorized agent.
- Submit your passport with a printed 4x6 cm white-background photo for the sticker visa.
- Wait for adjudication and collect your passport with the visa sticker.
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements
There are two different photo standards depending on the route. Using the wrong one is the most common reason for rejection.
| Specification | Requirement (eVisa) |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 200 x 200 px (square 1:1 ratio) |
| File size | From 5 KB to 100 KB |
| Background | Plain white, no pattern, no shadows |
| Face proportion | 70-80% of the frame (about 1.4 x 1.6 in from chin to crown) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Pose | Face straight to camera, both ears and cheeks clearly visible |
| Headwear | Not permitted, except for religious reasons (face still visible chin to forehead) |
| Subjects in photo | One person only, no other objects |
Square eVisa Photo vs 4x6 cm Embassy Photo
eVisa: uses a square 200x200 px photo (1:1 ratio) uploaded online. This is the standard of the visa.visitsaudi.com portal.
Embassy / sticker-visa route: uses a printed 4x6 cm white-background photo. Do NOT use the 4x6 cm photo for the eVisa or vice versa.
Documents to Prepare
For the eVisa Route
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Proof of eligibility: A valid US/UK/Schengen visa, permanent residence, or GCC residence permit.
- Square 200x200 px portrait photo: Meeting the spec above.
- Email & international payment card: To receive the visa and pay the fee.
For the Embassy Route
- Original passport still valid with blank pages.
- Visa application form per the embassy/Enjazit template.
- Printed 4x6 cm photo on a white background.
- Invitation letter / contract / Umrah confirmation depending on purpose.
- Proof of funds, hotel booking, and flight tickets as required.
Saudi Arabia Visa Fees
The tourist eVisa fee is typically around SAR 535 (roughly 140 USD), which already includes the mandatory medical insurance fee. Embassy/Umrah/business route fees vary by visa type and agent.
Fees change over time and with exchange rates. Please check the current fee at visa.visitsaudi.com or with the Saudi embassy before applying.
Processing Time
- eVisa: Usually minutes to 24 hours; some cases take longer.
- Embassy route: Depending on the visa type and peak season, from a few days to a few weeks.
Create Your Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Now
Square 200x200 px eVisa-compliant photo - White background - Automatic AI background removal
Get StartedSee also: Saudi Arabia visa photo page — full size, background and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vietnamese citizens apply for the Saudi eVisa directly?
Not directly. Vietnam is not on the list of eVisa-eligible nationalities. You only qualify for the eVisa if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen tourist/business visa, or permanent residence in those countries, or a GCC residence permit. Otherwise you must apply for a sticker visa through the Saudi embassy or the Enjazit system.
How does the square 200x200 px eVisa photo differ from the 4x6 cm photo?
The eVisa photo is a digital square 1:1 image (200x200 px) uploaded to the online portal. The 4x6 cm photo is a printed paper photo used for the embassy/sticker-visa route. The two standards are not interchangeable — using the wrong one leads to rejection.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist eVisa?
Yes. The tourist eVisa permits performing Umrah outside the Hajj season. However, if you are not eligible for the eVisa, apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized agent.
Does the eVisa fee already include insurance?
Yes. The tourist eVisa fee already includes the mandatory medical insurance for the duration of your stay. You do not need to buy it separately to apply, but check the current fee as it may change.
How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?
The tourist eVisa is typically valid for 1 year with multiple entries, each stay up to 90 days. Confirm on the official portal as conditions may be updated.
Is a photo with religious headwear accepted?
Yes, headwear worn for religious reasons is accepted, but the face must be clearly visible from the chin to the forehead with no shadows on the face.