Newborn Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

If you have a newborn and are considering bringing them to Saudi Arabia, you’re in the right place! There are three main methods to do this, and I will guide you through each one.

⚠️ Official position (checked November 2026): Jawazat’s official FAQ says that for a newborn to enter the Kingdom, the Saudi diplomatic mission in the father’s country must issue an entry visa for the baby, and the baby must hold a separate passport (Jawazat FAQ). Method 2 below is therefore the officially stated route. Method 1 (on-arrival) has been used by many expat families, but it is not confirmed on any official Saudi website, and airlines or immigration can refuse it.

Method 1: On-Arrival Visa (Reported by expats, not officially confirmed) 🎉

This has been the simplest option for many families who qualify, but it is not guaranteed. Jawazat’s official guidance asks for an entry visa from the Saudi embassy (see note above), so you take the risk of being refused boarding or entry.

Who can use this:

• Baby is less than 1 year old

• Both parents have Iqama

• Mom has exit-reentry visa

Documents you need:

• Baby’s own passport 📘

• Birth certificate of baby 📋

• Vaccination card 💉

• Copies of parents’ Iqamas

• Copies of parents’ passports 📘

• Mom’s valid exit-reentry visa

🔥 Pro tips:

• Many families report no fee; some agents report a fee of around SAR 200. There is no official fee schedule for this route 💰

 • Book with Saudi Airlines or GCC airlines - they know the rules

• Tell check-in staff: “Baby is eligible for visa on arrival - both parents have Iqama”

• Arrive early at airport - some staff might not know the process 🕐

• Visa automatically links to dad’s Iqama (moms with work visa can request to link to theirs)

Method 2: Permanent Family Visa 📝

Want everything sorted before you travel? This is your option.

Documents needed:

• Baby’s original passport 📘

• Birth certificate (Arabic translated) 📄

• Vaccination cards 💉

• 2 photos with white background 📸

• Mom’s original passport

• Mom’s valid exit-reentry visa ✈️

• Copy of mom’s stamped visa

• Copies of parents’ Iqamas

• Dad’s passport copy

• Father’s employer address in KSA 🏢

• Absher paper showing Iqama expiry dates 📊

How it works:

• The visa application is made through the Saudi visa platform (MOFA / KSA Visa), choosing single entry, and then submitted with the documents for stamping. Saudi missions list “Adding a newborn to a Saudi residence card” as a visa type with the baby’s birth certificate, both parents’ passports, Iqamas and exit/re-entry visas, and a baby passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages (example: Saudi Embassy, Washington)

• Submit documents to agent or VFS 📤

• They send to Saudi Embassy in your country 🏛️

• Wait 2-4 weeks for processing ⏰

• Visa fees may apply 💸

Method 3: Family Visit Visa 🎫

This has 3 steps:

Step 1: Apply for Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia - Check guide here

Step 2: Submit visa order for stamping via agent/VFS

Step 3: Once stamped, book flights ✈️

Which Method Should You Choose?

Go with Method 1 if:

• You meet all requirements ✅

• Want to save money 💰

• Accept the risk that the airline or airport may refuse it (it is not the officially stated route)

Choose Method 2 if:

• You want everything confirmed before travel 🛡️

• Don’t mind paying fees 💸

• Have time for 2-4 weeks processing ⏰

Method 3 

• When only one of the parents are on Iqama

📋 Document Checklist

Make sure you have:

• ✅ All documents original + copies

• ✅ Arabic translations where needed

• ✅ Valid passports (6+ months validity)

• ✅ At least 2 blank passport pages

• ✅ Recent passport photos

• ✅ Vaccination records up to date

⏰ Timeline Recommendations

For visa on arrival: Prepare docs 1-2 weeks before travel

For family visa: Start process 2-4 weeks before travel

For visit visa: Allow 2-4 weeks for complete process

⚠️ Important Note

This info was checked against Jawazat’s official FAQ in November 2026. Always verify current rules with official sources (Jawazat, the Saudi embassy or VFS) before traveling.