Saudi Arabia, a kingdom of vast deserts, ancient archaeological wonders like Al-Ula, futuristic cities, and the spiritual heart of Islam, is opening its doors to the world in a way never seen before. As part of its transformative Vision 2030, the nation has made travel more accessible than ever, and travelers from The Bahamas are invited.

For Bahamian citizens, the once-complex process of securing a visa has been replaced by a streamlined, digital system: the Saudi eVisa. Whether you're planning a dream vacation to explore the Red Sea coast or a profound spiritual journey for Umrah, this guide has you covered.

We’ll walk you through every question, from "Am I eligible for a Saudi Arabia Visa from Bahamas?" to "What do I do on arrival?" This is your ultimate resource for a seamless journey from The Bahamas to Saudi Arabia.

Do Bahamians need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, absolutely! This is the most important news. In May 2024, Saudi Arabia officially added The Bahamas to its list of eligible countries for the online eVisa program.

This means you no longer need to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate. You can apply for your visa from the comfort of your home in Nassau, Freeport, or anywhere with an internet connection.

What are the types of visa in Saudi Arabia?

It's essential to understand that the eVisa is a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. While it is very flexible, its purpose is strictly limited.

1. Visa Type: Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

2. Visa Validity: 1 year from the date of issue

3. Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per entry

Allowed Activities:

1. Tourism: This is the main purpose. You can go sightseeing, explore cities, visit historical sites, and enjoy the country's attractions.

2. Performing Umrah: This is a major benefit. The tourist eVisa fully permits you to travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah (outside of the Hajj season).

3. Visiting Friends or Family: You can use this visa to visit family or friends residing in the Kingdom.

4. Attending Events: This visa is perfect for attending concerts, sporting events, cultural festivals, and conferences as a spectator.

Forbidden Activities:

1. Hajj: You cannot use the tourist eVisa for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This requires a dedicated Hajj visa.

2. Work/Employment: You are strictly forbidden from working or taking up employment in Saudi Arabia on this visa.

3. Studying: This visa does not permit you to enroll in a university or educational institution.

4. Paid Business: You cannot use this visa to conduct paid business, sign contracts, or hold formal business meetings (this requires a Business Visa).

Can Bahamian Travelers Perform Umrah on the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

Yes! This is one of the most significant and welcome changes to Saudi policy. The official tourist eVisa explicitly allows you to enter the Kingdom to perform Umrah.

This is a massive benefit for Bahamian pilgrims, who no longer need to apply for a separate, often more restrictive, Umrah-specific visa. You can land in Jeddah, perform your Umrah in Makkah, and then use the same visa to visit Madinah, Riyadh, or any other city in the Kingdom. (Note: This visa cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage).

Can I Use the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa for the Hajj Pilgrimage?

No. This is a critical rule you must follow. The tourist eVisa is NOT valid for performing the Hajj.

The Hajj pilgrimage (which occurs on specific dates once a year) requires a special, dedicated Hajj visa, which must be obtained through authorized Hajj travel agencies. Attempting to perform Hajj on a tourist eVisa is illegal and can result in significant penalties, including fines and deportation.

What About Foreign Residents in The Bahamas?

This is a critical distinction. The eVisa eligibility is based on your passport (citizenship), not your country of residence.

1. If you are a Bahamian citizen: You are eligible.

2. If you are living in The Bahamas but hold a passport from a different country, you must check the rules for that passport.

3. Exception: If your passport is not on the eVisa list (e.g., from a country that requires a "sticker visa"), you may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival if you hold a valid, used visa from the USA, UK, or Schengen area.

Saudi Arabia eVisa: Which Application Path is Right for You?

The decision to apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is typically between navigating the official government portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) yourself, or using a dedicated private assistance agency like saudi-arabia-evisas.com. The key difference lies in support, risk management, and the final price paid.

Here is a breakdown of the two application paths:

1. How to Maximize Approval: Risk Reduction & Application Integrity

This section focuses on minimizing errors and ensuring your application meets all necessary government requirements before submission.

2. Which Option Offers Better Support and Convenience?

This section details the level of hands-on support and ease-of-use you receive throughout the process.

3. What is the True Cost Difference and Processing Time?

This section compares the final financial commitment and turnaround time for each application method.The Final Verdict: Peace of Mind vs. Lowest Price

The official Saudi portal is the direct and cheapest route, but requires you to manage all details perfectly. saudi-arabia-evisas.com provides a valuable safety net by adding an expert review and 24/7 support, ensuring your application is flawless and minimizing the risk of rejection, saving you time and stress.

Applying for Saudi Arabia eVisa from Bahamas

The process is famously simple and fast. Here’s how you do it:

1. Fill Out the Application: Click "Apply for eVisa" and select The Bahamas as your nationality. Fill in the form with your personal details, passport information, and your intended address in Saudi Arabia (your first hotel's name and address is fine).

2. Upload Your Documents: You will be asked to upload two simple things:

   1. A scan of your passport's information page.

   2. A recent, passport-style digital photo (on a white background).

3. Pay the Fee: Proceed to the payment page. You will pay the visa fee using a major credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).

4. Wait for Approval: This is often the fastest part. Most applications are processed in just 5-30 minutes.

5. Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa as a PDF. Your visa is electronically linked to your passport, but you must print a copy and keep it with you.

What Documents Do You Really Need for the Saudi Arabia Visa Application?

The simplicity is the best part. Unlike old-school visas, you do not need:

1. An invitation letter

2. A "sponsor"

3. Bank statements

4. Proof of employment

All you need is:

1. A Valid Bahamian Passport: Must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.

2. A Digital Passport Photo: Must be recent (within 6 months) and have a plain white background. (A selfie against a wall will be rejected).

3. A Valid Credit/Debit Card: To pay the fees.

4. A Valid Email Address: To receive your visa.

What Are the Specific Photo Requirements for Saudi Arabia eVisa?

The photo is a common reason for a rejection, so follow these Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements rules exactly:

1. Size: The digital photo should be 200 x 200 pixels.

2. Background: Must be plain white. No colors or patterns.

3. Quality: Must be clear and high-quality. No blurriness.

4. Pose: You must be facing the camera directly with a neutral expression. No smiling.

5. Attire: No hats, sunglasses, or head coverings that obscure the face (religious head coverings are permitted as long as the full face is visible).

6. Recency: Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months. Do not use an old photo from your passport.

What's Included in the Mandatory Saudi Arabia eVisa Travel Insurance?

As mentioned, the visa fee includes a government-mandated travel medical insurance plan. This plan is assigned to you automatically during the application and typically covers:

1. Emergency medical treatment and accidents.

2. Costs related to COVID-19.

3. Emergency medical evacuation.

This is not a comprehensive plan that covers lost luggage, flight cancellations, or theft. For that, it is still highly recommended to get your own separate travel insurance policy.

How Long Does the Saudi Arabia eVisa Take? 

The Saudi eVisa system is one of the fastest in the world.

🚀 Super Rush Processing (Urgent)

Get your Saudi Arabia e-Visa processed within 1–2 Working Days — perfect for last-minute travel plans.

⚡ Rush Processing

Your e-Visa application is reviewed and processed within 6–12 Hours, offering a fast and reliable option.

⏳ Normal Processing

The standard processing option delivers your Saudi Arabia e-Visa within 1 Hour, giving you quick approval without added urgency.

Our Advice: Don't leave it to the last minute. Apply at least one week before your flight to be 100% safe. This gives you a buffer in case your application is one of the few that gets flagged for a manual review.

How Long is Saudi Arabia eVisa Valid For Bahamas Travelers?

This is another area that is often confused. Your visa has two "validities":

1. Visa Validity: The visa itself is valid for 365 days (one year) from the date it is issued.

2. Duration of Stay: You are allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days per entry.

3. Entry Type: It is a multiple-entry visa.

This means you can visit Saudi Arabia for 30 days, fly to Dubai for a week, and fly back to Saudi Arabia on the same visa, starting a new 90-day period. However, you cannot stay more than 180 total days in a single year.

Do My Children Need Their Own Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Yes. Every individual, regardless of age, must have their own separate visa. This includes infants and children traveling on a Bahamian passport.

You must complete a separate application for each of your children. A parent or legal guardian must be the one to apply on behalf of anyone under 18.

What if I'm Only Transiting Through Jeddah or Riyadh? Do I Need a Transit Visa?

This is a common question for travelers from The Bahamas who may be flying to another destination via Saudi Arabia.

1. If your layover is short (under 12 hours) AND you stay in the international transit area (i.e., you do not go through immigration), you do not need a visa.

2. If you want to leave the airport (even for a few hours) or if your layover is longer than 12 hours, you will need a visa.

3. The Solution: Saudi Arabia offers a Stopover Transit eVisa, which is often free or low-cost and can be applied for through specific Saudi airlines (like Saudia or Flynas) when you book your flight. It allows a stay of up to 96 hours.

4. Alternatively, your 1-year tourist eVisa perfectly covers you for a transit, allowing you to enter the country, stay at a hotel, and explore.

Can I Use the Tourist eVisa for Business Meetings?

The official tourist eVisa is for tourism and Umrah only. It is not intended for business activities like attending meetings, conferences, or signing contracts.

If the purpose of your trip is business, you must apply for a proper Business Visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate, which is a different process and requires sponsorship from a Saudi company. Using a tourist visa for business is a violation of its terms.

"My eVisa was Rejected!" - What Should I Do Next?

Rejections are very rare for eligible nationalities like The Bahamas, and are almost always due to one of the "common mistakes" listed above (especially the photo).

There is no formal "appeal" process. If you are rejected, your fee is non-refundable. The solution is to:

1. Find the mistake you made (e.g., you mistyped your passport number or the photo was bad).

2. Submit a brand new application with the correct information.

3. Pay the fee again.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia: What to Expect at the Airport

You've landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah or King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. Here's what to do:

1. Follow the signs for "Immigration" or "Passport Control."

2. Look for the lanes dedicated to "eVisa" or "All Passports." (Do not go to the "Visa on Arrival" queue).

3. Have your passport and your printed copy of the eVisa ready.

4. The immigration officer will scan your passport, your eVisa, and your fingerprints, and may take a photo.

5. They may ask for your hotel details or your return flight ticket, so have them accessible (on your phone is fine).

6. Once stamped, you are officially in! Ahlan wa Sahlan (Welcome).