Some key documents are required for processing the visa application for Saudi Arabia. First, the travellers will need a Saudi Embassy Application Form. Besides having the application form, the travellers will also require a visa order form. Along with the order form, travellers will have to furnish two passport-size coloured photos.

The travellers will also need a UK Employer Support Letter, which must be attested by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce in London. Last, the travellers will also need to have a Saudi Government Invite issued from either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Chamber of Commerce.

Besides having the documents ready for completing the process of Saudi visa application, the traveller must follow some changes in the travel protocols introduced in the wake of COVID-19. These changed travel protocols will come into effect once the travellers reach the KSA.

The Changes in Travel Protocols on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

Travellers should understand the current scenario with regards to COVID-19 prevailing in the KSA. Like every other place in the world, the KSA’s chief requirement from every international traveller is to mandatorily wear a mask. Other key pointers that every traveller to Saudi Arabia should keep in mind are as follows.

• Wearing masks in the presence of someone who is not living in the household
• Besides wearing a mask, an employee who is returning to work must be individually allowed to remain in a 1 m2 space
• Practising social distancing in public places by maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters from one another
• Maintaining the highest standards of hand hygiene by regularly washing and sanitising hands
• Following strict cleaning schedules for every public area and business space
• Prohibiting the practice of handshaking

It is clear about the COVID-19 rules to be followed once entering Saudi Arabia. Now, it is important to understand the GCC travel restrictions and travel guidelines issued by the KSA for EU and US nationals.

GCC-Specific Travel Restrictions and Other Requirements

The travel among the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC is now open. While the travel is open among GCC member countries, the citizens have to follow all the regulations to the destination where they are travelling. Also, the travellers from the GCC will have to furnish usual identity documents for crossing the borders.

New Travel Guidelines for EU Nationals and US Citizens

Not every EU national is allowed to travel to the KSA. The Kingdom’s entry regulations and guidelines vary for every EU nation. As a standard practice, on arrival to Saudi Arabia, every EU national will need to present a negative COVID-19 test report that cannot be older than 48 hours.

As of 15 September 2020, only those US citizens who have a residence permit for Saudi Arabia will be allowed to enter into the nation. However, the eligible US travellers will have to furnish a negative COVID-19 test report which will not have to be older than 48 hours.

Different KSA Visa Applications Available Now

At press time, as the nation has reopened its international borders, travellers will be allowed to apply for different KSA visas. These visas include a student visa, personal visa, travel visa, religious visa and residence visa. However, if the purpose of international travel to the KSA is non-essential or if the travellers are from a high-risk country, the visas will only be valid after January 2021.

The information mentioned above is furnished by Saudi Able Link, a trusted visa supplier in central London. Any information regarding the Saudi Arabia visa process from the UK can be accessed by visiting the visa supplier’s website — www.saudiarabiavisa.co.uk. This website has become a one-stop destination for many KSA visa applicants finding the latest updates coming from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy of Saudi Arabia in London.