Guide on Acquiring Saudi Visas for Montenegrin and Dutch Passport Holders

Guide on Acquiring Saudi Visas for Montenegrin and Dutch Passport Holders

For Dutch and Montenegrin citizens planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, understanding the visa application process is essential. This guide outlines the requirements and steps for both tourist eVisas and work visas.

General Requirements for Saudi Visa Application

Regardless of the visa type, all applicants must meet certain requirements.

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel, with at least two blank pages.
• Health Insurance: Adequate health insurance coverage is required, covering medical and emergency expenses for the duration of your stay.
• Passport-sized Photos: For work visas, typically two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches, white background) are needed.

Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type, such as sponsorship letters for work visas.

Steps for Dutch or Montenegrin Citizen to Apply for Saudi Visa Online

Tourist eVisa (Simpler for Short Visits)

1. Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months validity.
2. Access the Saudi eVisa Portal: Although not specified for these nationalities specifically, Saudi Arabia offers an online platform for eVisa applications.
3. Complete Application: Fill in personal details, travel dates, passport information, etc.
4. Purchase Health Insurance: This is mandatory and often included as part of the eVisa process.
5. Pay Visa Fee: Payments can be made online via Apple/Google Pay or other digital methods.
6. Receive eVisa by Email: Processing usually takes 1-2 days, but delays can occur during peak times.
7. Travel Preparation: Print eVisa and present it upon arrival.

Work Visa (For Skilled Workers or Employment Purposes)

1. Secure a Job Offer: You must have an employment contract or job offer from a registered Saudi employer who will act as a sponsor.
2. Employer Applies for Authorization: The employer applies through Saudi ministries (Human Resources and MOFA) to authorize hiring a foreign worker.
3. Receive Visa Authorization: Employer provides applicant with a visa authorization slip.
4. Undergo Medical Examination: This must be performed at an approved clinic, including blood tests, chest X-rays, and screenings for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB.
5. Submit Visa Application: Include passport, completed application form, medical report, photos, and visa authorization slip to the Saudi embassy or consulate or through the unified Saudi e-Visa service online.
6. Biometric Enrollment: Fingerprint and iris scans are mandatory before visa stamping.
7. Wait for Processing: Average 4-7 business days; may take longer during Ramadan or Hajj.
8. Visa Stamping Appointment: If required, schedule and attend the appointment to get visa stamped on the passport.
9. Travel and Register Arrival: Book flights and register entry via the Saudi arrival portal as instructed.

Summary Table

| Step/Requirement | Tourist eVisa | Work Visa | |---------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Passport Validity | ≥6 months | ≥6 months | | Health Insurance | Mandatory | Provided by employer | | Photos | Usually 2 (2x2 in, white bg) | 2 Passport-sized photos | | Job Offer/Sponsorship | Not required | Required | | Medical Examination | Not required | Required | | Biometric Enrollment | Not mandatory | Mandatory (fingerprints + iris) | | Application Platform | Saudi eVisa online portal | MOFA/Qiwa and Saudi embassy/consulate or e-service | | Processing Time | 1-2 days (usually) | 4-7 business days, longer in peak seasons | | Visa Delivery | eVisa emailed | Visa stamped in passport |

Important Notes

• As of 2025, Saudi Arabia requires passport validity ≥ 6 months at the time of both application and entry.
• The visa process has become more digital and accessible with new portals supporting multiple languages and payment options.
• Dutch and Montenegrin citizens typically follow the same eVisa or work visa procedures as other foreign nationals, using the official Saudi eVisa portal or employer sponsorship for work visas.
• For visitors, applying well in advance and ensuring health insurance coverage is recommended to avoid delays.
• For employment, coordination with the Saudi employer and adherence to the official biometric and medical requirements is mandatory.

For more specific links or portals for the application, official Saudi government websites like Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Saudi eVisa platform are the most reliable resources.

1. Even though the visa application process for Dutch and Montenegrin citizens to Saudi Arabia focuses on the guide's listed requirements for tourist eVisas and work visas, it's essential to maintain an adequate lifestyle in terms of health insurance coverage during travel.
2. Upon obtaining a work visa, the lifestyle of a skilled worker or employee seeking employment in Saudi Arabia will significantly change, as the work visa application process involves additional steps, such as medical examinations and biometric enrollment.

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