Business Travel Requirements for an Saudi Arabia Visa for UK Citizens

1. Visa Validity

   The Saudi Embassy issues visa validity and entries based on the visa support supplied. Completed visas cannot be changed or extended once they have been issued. The Embassy's decision is final and cannot be contested by CIBTvisas

2. Passport

   The applicant's actual signed passport. The passport must:

   • Have at least 2-3 blank visa pages
   • Be valid for six months beyond entry date
   • Be machine readable

3. Photograph

   You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://cibtvisas.co.uk/photo-service to upload your photo.

   
   Alternatively, you may provide two colour, passport type photographs that meet the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against a white background and printed on high quality photo paper; be 35mm by 45mm in size; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photographs should not be affixed to your application and may not display evidence of adhesive or staples.

4. Business Introduction Letter

   You must provide a Business Introduction Letter from the applicant's UK employer. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Introduction Letter. Visit https://cibtvisas.co.uk/bcl-order to get started.

   Alternatively, please use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at http://cibtvisas.co.uk/forms?formname=Saudi%20Sample%20Template%20Letter.pdf using the exact language and format provided in order to prevent a rejection and possible delays with your visa request. 

   Note that most consulates require the Business Cover Letter to be dated within one month of application submission.

   In addition to the language provided in the sample, your Business Introduction Letter must:
   • Include the company registration number
   • Include the activities of the company
   • Indicate the invitation number or visa number
   • Specify the type of visa requested
   • Specify the duration of trip
   • Have been issued within two weeks before application
   • Be stamped and certified by the British Chamber of Commerce
   • Include a wet ink signature

5. Letter of Invitation

   A letter of invitation issued by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A copy is acceptable. This must:

   • Show the same inviting company name as on the UK Business Introduction Letter
   • Have been issued within three months before the visa application date

6. Letter of Authorisation

   A letter of authorisation for the collection of the passport and travel documents from the Visa Centre. This form can be found in the {CIBTvisas application pack.

7. Visa Application Form

   One fully completed and signed application form. A copy is acceptable. This form must:

   • Be completed in black ink only
   • Be completed in block capitals only
   • Be completed by the applicant only. Third party handwriting will not be accepted
   • Have no handwritten changes. Correction fluid will not be accepted
   • Be fully completed in the lower section "IMPORTANT:THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED FULLY"

   Applicants who have never had a previous nationality must complete their present nationality in both sections.

8. Additional supporting documents

   Additional supporting documents may be requested by the authorities in Saudi Arabia after the request has been submitted. Should this occur CIBTvisas will contact the traveller immediately. 

9. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

   Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

10. Early Retrieval Of Passports

    Once a visa application is submitted to the Embassy the passport cannot be retrieved or expedited until the process is completed. In an emergency the Embassy may return the passport but the process will be summarily cancelled and the applicant will have to re-submit the complete visa application including the payment. To withdraw the passport the applicant must send a signed withdrawal letter addressed to the Embassy to CIBTvisas. The passport will be returned to CIBTvisas within 48 hours.

11. Holders of a Valid Visa

    Applicants are only permitted to hold one valid Saudi visa at any one time. A written statement must additionally be provided to request the cancellation of a valid Saudi visa. The cancellation of valid Saudi visas is at the embassy's discretion and depends on the validity of the visa.

12. Additional Administrative Processing

    Applicants who would like CIBTvisas to assist with the certification of their business letter from the British Chamber of Commerce are advised that the additional processing time of one working day must be added to processing time of their visa to ensure intended departure dates can be met.

13. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having CIBTvisas subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. CIBTvisas will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow

14. Restrictions

    Applicants with an offshore profession are permitted single entry only. The invitation supplied by the host company must be for a single entry visa.

15. Urgent Travel

    Use the CIBTvisas Fast-Track Pre-Submission service to speed up your application by one working day and ensure your urgent travel dates can be met. In order to accelerate the registration and translation elements of your application, select the Fast-Track Pre-Submission service when completing your online order.