Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa · For Bangladesh citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a Bangladeshi citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Saudi tourist visa application: required documents including passport, photographs, and financial proof, fees starting from SAR 300 (approximately BDT 9,800), processing times of 5-15 working days through authorized agencies, and strategies to improve your chances. With proper documentation through authorized travel agencies, approval rates are strong for well-prepared Bangladeshi applicants.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Bangladesh citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Saudi specifications
Photocopy of your National Identity Card or Birth Certificate
Certificate from Bangladesh Home Ministry confirming no criminal record
Recent bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
Round-trip flight booking showing entry and exit from Saudi Arabia
Confirmed accommodation booking for your entire stay
Detailed plan of your trip including places to visit
Documentation proving your employment status in Bangladesh
Health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
Recommended (Optional)
If you hold a valid visa from US, UK, or Schengen countries, you can apply for e-visa directly
Application Process
Bangladeshi citizens have two main pathways to obtain a Saudi tourist visa, depending on whether they hold a valid visa from certain countries.1
Option 1: Direct E-Visa (If You Have US/UK/Schengen Visa)
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once, you can apply directly through the official Saudi e-visa portal:1
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account
- Select your nationality and provide passport details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo)
- Pay the visa fee (approximately SAR 535 including insurance) online
- Receive your e-visa via email within 24-48 hours
Option 2: Through Authorized Travel Agency (Standard Route)
Most Bangladeshi applicants must apply through Saudi embassy-authorized travel agencies in Bangladesh:3
- Contact an authorized travel agency in Dhaka or other major cities
- Submit your passport, photographs, police clearance, and supporting documents
- Provide financial evidence (bank statements, employment letter)
- Submit confirmed flight and hotel bookings
- The agency submits your application to the Saudi embassy
- Pay the visa fee plus agency service charges
- Collect your visa once approved (5-15 working days)
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (with US/UK/Schengen visa) | SAR 535 (~BDT 17,500) | Includes basic health insurance |
| Single Entry (via agency) | SAR 300-500 (~BDT 9,800-16,000) | Plus agency service fees |
| Multiple Entry (via agency) | SAR 500-800 (~BDT 16,000-26,000) | Plus agency service fees |
Fees are subject to change.1 Agency fees vary depending on the service provider and package selected. Always confirm current fees with your chosen agency.
What You Need to Prove
Saudi visa officers assess applications based on:23
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings for accommodation and flights
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover your stay (minimum SAR 5,000 recommended)
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing departure before visa expires
- Clean record: Police clearance certificate demonstrating no criminal history
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting Saudi specifications and matching your passport details
Processing Times
| Application Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (eligible applicants) | 24-48 hours |
| Authorized Travel Agency | 5-15 working days |
| Peak Season (Ramadan, Hajj) | Up to 20 working days |
Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in Saudi Arabia) and public holidays.1 During peak religious seasons, processing may take significantly longer.
Important Notes for Bangladeshi Travelers
Several factors affect Bangladeshi applicants:5
- E-visa facility: In 2023, Bangladesh became the first country to receive Saudi e-visa facilities for work and visit visas. However, tourist visas still primarily require the agency route unless you have US/UK/Schengen visas
- Seasonal restrictions: During Hajj season (typically May-June), Saudi Arabia may temporarily suspend or limit tourist and Umrah visa issuance. Plan your travel outside this period if possible
- Embassy attestation: Some visa types require document attestation from the Bangladesh embassy. Check with your agency for current requirements
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is approved:4
- Print your e-visa or collect the visa from your agency
- Verify all details match your passport exactly
- At Saudi immigration, present your visa and passport
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Register your travel with the Bangladesh embassy in Riyadh for emergencies
Important: Overstaying results in fines (SAR 100+ per day), detention, and potential deportation with re-entry ban. Always respect your visa validity dates.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:3
- Request the refusal reason: Ask your agency for specific details about why the application was rejected
- Address the problems: Correct documentation errors, improve financial evidence, or resolve photo issues
- Wait if necessary: If rejected for previous violations, wait the required period before reapplying
- Reapply through your agency: There is no formal appeal process, but you can reapply with improved documentation
- Consider the e-visa route: If possible, obtain a US, UK, or Schengen visa first to access the simpler e-visa process
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be corrected with proper preparation. Work closely with your authorized agency to ensure all requirements are met.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, or documents not meeting Saudi specifications. Many rejections occur due to poor quality photographs, missing police clearance, or incomplete paperwork.
How to avoid: Create a checklist and verify all documents before submission. Ensure photos meet exact specifications (white background, proper size). Use an authorized agency to verify completeness.
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between passport details and application form, including spelling errors, wrong passport numbers, or inconsistent dates across documents.
How to avoid: Copy information exactly as it appears in your passport. Review every field before submission. Have someone else verify your application for errors.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing inadequate funds, suspicious large deposits, or irregular transaction patterns that raise concerns about trip affordability.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least SAR 5,000 (BDT 163,000) for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits and avoid unexplained large deposits.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, or evidence of working illegally on previous tourist or Umrah visas.
How to avoid: Always respect visa validity periods. If you have past violations, wait at least 2-3 years before reapplying. Be honest about your travel history.
Passport or Photo Issues
Passport expiring within 6 months, damaged passport, insufficient blank pages, or photographs not meeting strict Saudi requirements.
How to avoid: Renew your passport well before travel. Use a professional photo studio familiar with Saudi visa photo requirements. Ensure at least 2 blank pages available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bangladeshi citizens get a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, Bangladeshi citizens can obtain a Saudi tourist visa. However, Bangladesh is not among the 66 countries eligible for the direct e-visa. Bangladeshis must apply through authorized travel agencies or the Saudi embassy. If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply for an e-visa online.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for Bangladeshis?
The base tourist visa fee is SAR 300 (approximately BDT 9,800). Through authorized agencies, total costs range from SAR 500-800 (BDT 16,000-26,000) including service fees. If eligible for e-visa through US/UK/Schengen visa route, the fee is approximately SAR 535 including insurance.
How long does Saudi visa processing take for Bangladeshi applicants?
Through authorized travel agencies, processing takes 5-15 working days. If you have a valid US/UK/Schengen visa and apply for e-visa, processing takes 24-48 hours. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Saudi tourist visa?
The Saudi tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days. The visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the type granted. Multiple-entry visas are typically valid for one year with 90 days maximum per visit.
Do I need a sponsor for Saudi tourist visa as a Bangladeshi?
No individual sponsor is required for tourist visas. However, Bangladeshi citizens must apply through an authorized travel agency that acts as the facilitating entity. If visiting family in Saudi Arabia, you may need an invitation letter and their Iqama details.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi tourist visa allows you to perform Umrah (excluding Hajj). You must book your Umrah and Ziyarah appointments through the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) before visiting holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
What happens if my Saudi visa is rejected?
Review the rejection reason carefully and address the issues before reapplying. Common fixes include improving document quality, providing better financial evidence, or correcting information errors. There is no formal appeal process, but you can reapply with improved documentation through your agency.
Is police clearance required for Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, Bangladeshi applicants typically need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the Bangladesh Home Ministry. This should be recent (within 6 months) and confirms you have no criminal record.
Can I get visa-on-arrival in Saudi Arabia as a Bangladeshi?
Only if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (preferably used at least once) and meet other eligibility criteria. Otherwise, Bangladeshi citizens must obtain their visa before travel through an authorized agency.
What is the Saudi Arabia e-visa facility for Bangladesh?
In 2023, Bangladesh became the first country to receive Saudi e-visa facilities, primarily for work and visit visas. For tourist visas, Bangladeshis still need to apply through authorized agencies unless they hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa which enables the standard tourist e-visa.