Saudi Visa for Irish Citizens

A Saudi Arabia visa for Irish citizens is an official travel document that allows Irish passport holders to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for a specific purpose and time period. Whether they are planning a vacation, a religious pilgrimage, or a work trip, they will need to obtain the correct type of visa before traveling.

There are several types of visas for Saudi Arabia available to Irish citizens. The type of visa will depend on the reason and duration of the trip. The most popular choice for short-term travel is the Saudi Arabia eVisa. Other visa types include Work, Education, Residency, Transit, and Missions and Organisations.

Do Irish Citizens Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?

The short answer is yes, Irish citizens need a visa to enter KSA. Whether traveling for short-term purposes like tourism or visiting family, or coming to live and work for a longer period, they will need to obtain the proper travel document before traveling.

Fortunately, Ireland is one of the countries eligible for the KSA eVisa. This is an electronic visa that simplifies the process for short-term travel. The eVisa is available for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family, attending events, seeking medical procedures, and performing Umrah (outside of Hajj season). It’s the most efficient and streamlined option for eligible travelers, including Irish citizens. The application for the KSA eVisa can be completed entirely online. 

Irish citizens are also eligible to obtain a visa on arrival. This is similar to the eVisa, but can be obtained at the port of entry upon arrival in KSA. It’s another convenient means of obtaining permission to travel to KSA for short-term purposes. 

Saudi Arabia Visa Types

Several types of visas are available to Irish citizens who want to live, study, and work in KSA. Applications are available for any type of Saudi Arabia visa from Ireland.  

Visit Visa

  • It’s very simple to apply for a Saudi Visit Visa from Ireland. It’s the most popular option for Irish citizens traveling for short-term purposes. This visa grants holders the right to engage in tourism, visiting friends/family, undergoing medical procedures, performing Umrah (outside of Hajj season), and conducting business or attending business events.
  • The most efficient means for Irish citizens to obtain a Visit Visa is to apply for a Saudi eVisa. This can be done online and is usually sent to the applicant within, at most, 3 days.

Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to pass through the KSA while en route to another destination. It allows a stay of up to 96 days, and there are options for Sea, Land, and Air transit visas. 

Work Visa

A Work Visa allows the holder to work legally for a company in KSA. There are options for Seasonal, Temporary, and Permanent Work visas.

Hajj Visa

The Hajj Visa is granted to Muslims from anywhere in the world who want to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This visa can only be obtained during the Hajj season from approved travel agents.

Other Visa Types

There are a variety of other visas that are available to Irish citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia. These are categorized based on specific purposes:

  • Electronic Visa Waiver, Residency Visa, Escort Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Special Visa, Missions And Organisations Visit Visa, Education Visa, Transport Of Goods Visa, Re-entry Visa Extension, and Ratify Applications.

Saudi eVisa for Irish Citizens

The Saudi eVisa for Irish citizens is an electronic travel authorization that was designed to streamline entry for tourists from the eligible countries, including Ireland. It was launched in September 2019.

  • The KSA eVisa allows for the following activities
    • Tourism, leisure, and sightseeing.
    • Visiting friends and family.
    • Attending business or personal events.
    • Performing Umrah (outside of Hajj).
    • Undergoing medical procedures.
  • Key benefits of the Saudi eVisa
    • The application process can be completed entirely online.
    • Processing times are very fast – between just 1 minute and 3 days.
    • The eVisa allows for multiple entries.
    • There are no embassy visits or excessive paperwork required.
  • Validity and duration of the eVisa
    • The eVisa is valid for up to 1 year from the issue date.
    • t allows for stays up to 90 days.
    • It allows for multiple entries within the 1-year validity period.

Saudi eVisa Requirements for Irish Citizens

Age requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for the KSA eVisa and enter KSA alone, if they are under 18, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Valid Irish passport

Applicants must possess a valid Irish passport that is valid for a minimum of six (6) months past the day of entry into KSA. 

Recent passport photo

Applicants must upload a recent, clear photo with a white background. All photos must meet the guidelines set forth by the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities.

Email address

All applicants must have a valid email address. All eVisa decisions and correspondence will be sent to that email. Applicants must have access to it and check it regularly.

Sufficient funds

Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their travels in KSA. 

Valid form of payment

All visa fees will be paid online for the eVisa. Applicants must have a valid form of payment, such as a credit or debit card. 

How to Apply for a KSA eVisa from Ireland

It’s very easy to apply for an electronic Saudi visa from Ireland. Follow these straightforward steps to apply for a KSA eVisa:

01

Fill in the application form

Applicants should fill in the online application form with their personal, travel, and passport details. It’s important to double-check all details before submitting the application.

02

Upload the required documents

Applicants must upload a copy of their passport and a passport photo that meets the appropriate guidelines.

03

Pay the visa fees

Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the KSA eVisa fee. This can be done securely online.

04

Submit the application and receive your eVisa

Once you’ve completed the form, uploaded your documents, and paid the fee, submit your application. Most applicants receive their approved KSA eVisa by email within 1 minute to 3 days.

Saudi eVisa Processing Time & Fees

The KSA eVisa has one of the fastest processing times of any international visit visa. The waiting time for the eVisa is between 1 minute and 3 days. That makes it a highly convenient option for last-minute travel plans.

The eVisa fees for Irish citizens are very reasonable, coming to just $195. This includes our comprehensive professional service fees and governmental fees.

Entry Requirements & Rules for Irish Citizens

Irish citizens traveling to KSA must meet the following requirements and rules: 

  • They must hold a valid Irish passport that is valid for at least six (6) months past the date of entry into KSA.
  • They must carry a print or digital copy of the approved eVisa.
  • They must enter and exit through approved ports of entry only.
  • They must not undergo the Hajj pilgrimage on an eVisa.
  • They must respect local customs and laws at all times. That includes personal dress and conduct.
  • They must abide by the travel insurance regulations that are included with the eVisa and review their coverage details.

KSA Visa Extension

It is not currently possible to extend the KSA eVisa beyond the original 90-day stay. If any holder of an eVisa wishes to stay longer in KSA, they will need to exit the country and re-enter, provided their eVisa is still valid. Or, they can apply for a different type of visa that is suitable for a longer or different purpose of stay. 

Traveling to Saudi Arabia

KSA offers a fascinating blend of modern cities, ancient historical sites, and cultural heritage. From the Red Sea beaches to the bustling highrises of Riyadh, it’s a country that’s rich in experiences. With plenty of flights from Dublin to Saudi Arabia, it’s a popular destination for Irish nationals.

Irish citizens traveling to KSA should:

  • Dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • Know that English may not be commonly spoken in smaller cities.
  • Use the local currency – the Saudi Riyal (SAR).
  • Respect that Friday is a holy day and expect limited services.
  • Remember that alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

FAQs – Saudi Visa for Irish Citizens

Yes, all EU citizens, including Irish nationals, require a visa to enter the KSA. They can obtain a visa for work, visit, study, or residency purposes depending on their situation. The most common type of short-term visa is the Saudi eVisa. 

A KSA visa is an official travel document that permits foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism, business, pilgrimage, or work.

Eligible travelers, including Irish citizens, can travel to perform Umrah on a Saudi eVisa. The total cost for the eVisa is $195, which covers both the government and service provider fees.

To perform Umrah from Ireland, Irish nationals can apply for the Umrah visa from Ireland online by filling in the online application form and paying the fees. Once approved, they can travel to the KSA to perform Umrah, except during Hajj season.

Yes, most travelers will need a visa to visit KSA unless they are a citizen of a visa-exempt country. Irish citizens can obtain a Saudi visa from Ireland for a variety of purposes including work, study, residency, and tourism.

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