Saudi Arabia visit visa for medical treatment

It is meant for patients travelling to a Saudi hospital or clinic for diagnosis, surgery or a course of treatment. The Foreign Ministry also runs a medical treatment visa request that lets a medical institution inside the Kingdom ask for permission for a person abroad to be treated there. Government and business entities use it; private hospitals must first obtain a support letter from the regional Health Affairs directorate. The ministry gives three business days for this service, longer in exceptional cases.

Applicants must be 18 or older unless a legal guardian travels with them, hold a passport valid for at least six months, have enough money for accommodation, food and transport, and follow Saudi law. KSA Visa names three channels: an instant e-visa for eligible nationalities, holders of US, UK or Schengen visit visas, US, UK or EU permanent residents and GCC residents; service centres where they exist; otherwise an application on KSA Visa completed at the Saudi embassy in your country of residence. Holders of those visas and residence titles can also get a visa on arrival.

The visit-visa insurance sold on KSA Visa comes from Saudi-approved companies and covers emergency cases only, so the planned treatment itself has to be paid by you, your own insurer or the institution that invited you. The insurance step asks about pregnancy, hospital admission or ongoing emergency treatment, congenital disorders and permanent injuries, so answer it accurately. Keep the hospital's appointment or acceptance letter and a cost estimate with you.

Fees match other visit visas: USD 80 (refundable), two non-refundable USD 10.50 digital-service fees and the premium. KSA Visa states a processing time of one minute to three business days, and errors lengthen it. You track the file with the invitation or application number, and approval or refusal is sent by email; extra documents may be requested by email or through a visit to the embassy. After a refusal you may reapply at any time.

Besides treatment you may travel between cities, visit family or friends, attend events and perform Umrah outside the Hajj season after reserving a Nusuk permit. Employment and Hajj are not allowed, and the Ministry of Interior fines visit-visa holders up to SAR 20,000 for entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites from 1 Dhu al-Qadah to 14 Dhu al-Hijjah.

The Foreign Ministry answers on 920011114 and info@mofa.gov.sa and warns against unauthorised people or firms offering visa help.