King Fahd International Airport(DMM) is the 3rd largest airport in Saudi Arabia and an important point of entry for travelers wishing to discover this fascinating country. To facilitate your arrival and ensure that you comply with all local formalities, we offer you a complete guide to the steps to follow, as well as a focus on agencies specialized in obtaining visas for Saudi Arabia.
Introduction to Dammam King Fahd International Airport
Located some 30 kilometers northwest of the city of Dammam, King Fahd International Airport (DMM) is the main air hub in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Inaugurated in 1999, its impressive surface area - almost 800 km2 - makes it one of the world's largest airports in terms of surface area.
In 2020, despite the global health crisis, the airport recorded more than 8 million passengers, confirming its strategic position for national and international connections. Numerous airlines serve DMM, with direct or connecting flights from most parts of the globe.
Main destinations and airlines
King Fahd International Airport offers numerous connections to Saudi Arabia's major cities, such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina. It is also connected to a number of international destinations, particularly for business and leisure flights:
- Dubai (Emirates)
- Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- Manila (Philippine Airlines)
- Cairo (EgyptAir)
- Kuala Lumpur (Saudia)
Don't hesitate to compare the offers of different airlines to find the flight that best suits your needs and time constraints.
Formalities and e-Visa for Saudi Arabia: steps to follow
To enter Saudi Arabia, a visa is required for the majority of foreign nationalities, including French nationals. Since September 2019, it has been possible to obtain an e-Visa online, greatly simplifying formalities for travelers.
e-Visa for Saudi Arabia
The e-Visa allows nationals of dozens of countries, including France, to travel to Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. It is issued for tourist, business or family stays, and must be applied for before departure.
The documents required to apply for an e-Visa are as follows:
- A valid passport (still valid at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia)
- A recent passport photo
- A valid e-mail address to receive the e-Visa
- A credit card to pay the visa fees
The e-Visa application is made directly online on the official Saudi government website or via a visa agency. It generally takes 24 to 48 hours to obtain a visa once the application has been validated.
Using a specialized visa agency for Saudi Arabia
While it is possible to apply for an e-Visa yourself, certain special situations - business travel with specific requirements, obtaining a long-term visa, etc. - may require the help of a specialized Saudi Arabia visa agency. - may require the assistance of an agency specialized in obtaining visas for Saudi Arabia.
These agencies offer several advantages:
- Personalized support throughout the process
- Sound advice on what supporting documents to provide
- We take care of all the administrative formalities to make your life easier
- In-depth knowledge of Saudi visa requirements
By working with a specialized agency, you'll have every chance of obtaining the visa that's right for you, quickly and smoothly.
Saudi Arabia visa statistics
Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in the number of visas issued in recent years, not least thanks to the introduction of e-Visa in 2019. According to official statistics, more than 400,000 e-Visas were issued between September 2019 and February 2020, around six months after its launch.
This success is explained by the Saudi government's desire to diversify its economy and encourage international tourism in the country. At the same time, the authorities are also working to improve reception infrastructures, such as airports, hotels and public transport, to offer foreign visitors a safe and pleasant stay.
Breakdown of nationalities holding an e-Visa
Chinese nationals top the list of nationalities obtaining the most e-Visas for Saudi Arabia, followed by the British and the French. Here are the top 5 nationalities receiving e-Visas:
With a simplified procedure and online procedures accessible to all, Saudi Arabia is a destination of choice for travelers from all over the world. By ensuring that all formalities are complied with - and by using a specialized agency if necessary - you'll enjoy an unforgettable stay in this country of a thousand facets.
Saudi Arabia e-Visa application form
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