How to Travel from Qatar to Saudi Arabia by Land

Qatar and Saudi Arabia are separated by land borders. Thus, traveling between the two countries is only a matter of hours. 

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With the easing of border control, both residents and citizens now have the freedom to travel. It is crucial, however, to prepare the necessary documents and meet other requirements to gain entry into the respective country.

Land Travel from Qatar to Saudi Arabia

Land Travel from Qatar to Saudi Arabia

Both GCC citizens and residents can travel to Saudi Arabia by land. The travel time is approximately 7 hours. 

Requirements for Entry to Saudi Arabia

Given that Saudi Arabia is a different country, certain documents must be prepared for entry. These include:

  • QID
  • Valid passport
  • Driver’s license
  • Valid visa
  • Valid vehicle documents

Procedure for Visa Application

As a GCC resident, traveling to Saudi Arabia as a tourist is possible. This can be done either by applying in person at the Tasheer Visa Center in Ezdan Mall or by submitting an online application. 

Applying at Tasheer Visa Center:

  • Request an appointment through their online portal, or you can visit the center to request for one
  • Submit the original passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • Ensure the native country has no issues with Saudi Arabia granting a visa to the passport holder
  • Provide a recent passport photo with a white background
  • QID with at least 3 months’ validity
  • Complete the biometrics procedure
  • Visa processing takes about 1 day, and you can collect your passport at the visa center

Applying Online:

  • Visit the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
  • Check eligibility on the Visit Saudi website for an e-visa
  • Create an account on the portal
  • Provide necessary personal information
  • Upload a copy of your passport and passport-size photograph
  • Provide debit or credit card details

Note: The tourist visa application is given to those who wish to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure or personal travel only. The said visa does not cover Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage. 

Saudi Arabia MOFA
Image Credit: Saudi Rabia MOFA website

 

Conditions to be Met When Applying for E-Visa

  • Employed in an eligible occupation as listed on the online application portal system
  • Valid GCC resident for a minimum of 3 months
  • Passport validity for at least 6 months

Visa Application Fees

Visa fees vary for in-person applications at the Tasheer Visa Center and online applications. Fees are non-refundable. 

  • For those applying in person, the minimum visa fee is about QAR 520. Payment is by cash basis only.  Refer to the table below for the breakdown.
  • For those applying online, the visa fee is about QR 290.59.  There will be an additional medical insurance fee, which will depend on the insurance company you will choose. The minimum medical fee insurance is about QR 36.5.
  • Take note that overstay fees are QR 97.15 each day. This applies when the tourist’s visa expires without leaving Saudi Arabia. 
Image Credit: Tasheer Visa Center website

 

Vehicle Document Requirements

Vehicle Registration 

The Istimara is required if the vehicle is registered in your name. If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you will need to present an authorization letter from the vehicle owner.

Vehicle Insurance 

You can purchase vehicle insurance at the Abu Samra border. This border separates Qatar and Saudi Arabia, so you are sure to find it. The minimum vehicle insurance you can purchase is QR 116.48, because the cost will also depend on the type of vehicle and how long you are going to stay in Saudi Arabia. 

On the other hand, you have the option to purchase vehicle insurance online. Just download the Najm Manafith application on your Android or iOS phones.  

Tasheer Visa Center

  • Address: 2nd Floor, Ezdan Mall, Al Gharaffa
  • Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Application submission: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Passport collection: 3 pm to 5 pm

Map of Tasheer Visa Center

Map of Abu Samra Border

Procedure at the Abu Samra Border

At the Abu Samra Border, the initial stop is at Qatar’s immigration booth. Here you will present your personal documents for validation.

A short distance away, you’ll find the Saudi Arabian Immigration/Customs booth. During this stage, you’ll provide your biometrics and have your photo taken. For these procedures, you must exit your vehicle. You will only provide the biometrics and photo on your first visit to Saudi Arabia. There is no need to provide these on your subsequent visits.

On the other hand, there is no need to go through this procedure if you have applied for the visa online. This is because you would have provided these during the application process. 

It’s also important to note that there are segregated buildings for men and women. There is also a separate line for GCC citizens and residents. Be sure that you are in the right building and queue so as not to waste your time. 

After presenting your documents, providing your photos and fingerprints, your next stop is the section for checking and validating vehicle documents. If you didn’t secure vehicle insurance before your trip, now is the opportune moment to acquire it. Always retain the vehicle insurance receipt, as it will be necessary upon your return to Qatar.

Procedure for Re-entering Qatar

When coming back to Qatar after your trip, you should know that the procedure is much simpler. If you are a GCC resident, you only need to show your QID and passport. However, if you are a tourist or visitor in Qatar, you will undergo the immigration procedure at the Abu Samra border.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the travel time from Qatar to Abu Samra border?

The approximate travel time is 7 hours. This may also vary depending on factors such as the volume of other vehicles.

  • Can I use Qatari riyals when paying at the Abu Samra border?

Yes, you can use Qatari riyals. Additionally, you have the option to pay in cash, credit card, or debit card.

  • Which cities in Saudi Arabia can I visit with my tourist visa?

You can visit all cities in Saudi Arabia. However, during the Hajj pilgrimage, entry may be restricted in some cities. If you wish to go on a pilgrimage, you will need to apply for the corresponding visa.

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