You submitted the application for your family to visit Saudi Arabia days ago, but you still have not received any confirmation. You try to check the official government website, but the options are confusing. You enter your passport number, but it says “record not found.”
This is a frustrating situation that almost every expat faces when bringing family to the Kingdom. The main issue is usually not the visa application itself but knowing exactly how to track it on the new portal. If you do not select the correct inquiry type, the system will never show your result.
This article provides a clear, step-by-step method to navigate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website so you can confirm your visa status instantly.
Why You Must Check the Status Correctly
The Saudi government has digitized almost all visa services under the KSA Visa platform (formerly known as Enjaz). However, checking the status requires specific details. If you use the wrong reference number, you might think your visa is rejected when it is actually still processing.
Knowing the correct status helps you:
- Book flight tickets at the right time.
- Fix any errors in the application before it gets rejected.
- Pay the visa stamping fees immediately upon approval.
You may also like to check our Overtime Calculator for Saudi Arabia
Prerequisites Before You Start
Before you open the website, you must have the specific documents ready. The system requires exact numbers. Please keep the following ready:
- The Application Number: This is the number generated when you first filled out the form. It usually starts with the letter ‘E’.
- The Sponsor ID Number: This is your Iqama number (or the Saudi National ID of the person who invited the guest).
- Passport Number: The passport number of the visitor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Track Your Request on MOFA
The most reliable source to check the status is the official MOFA KSA Visa platform. Follow these exact steps to find your status.
1. Access the Official Visa Platform
Open your web browser and go to the official KSA Visa website. You can find this by searching for “KSA Visa MOFA” on Google. The official URL usually contains visa.mofa.gov.sa.
2. Switch Language to English
The website often loads in Arabic by default. Look at the top left corner of the page. You will see an ‘E’ icon or the word “English.” Click on it to change the interface to English. This makes the navigation much easier.
3. Locate the Inquiry Section
Do not log in. You do not need to log into your account to check the status. Look for a box on the homepage labeled “Inquiry” or “Query.” This is usually located in the middle of the page or sometimes within the main banner image.
4. Select the Correct Search Type
This is the most critical step where most people make mistakes. You will see a dropdown menu for “Search for.” You must select the option that matches your current stage:
- Select “Invitation Request”: Choose this if you have applied but have not received the approval document yet. You are checking if the Ministry has agreed to issue the visa.
- Select “Visa Document Number”: Choose this only if your visa is already approved and stamped, and you want to verify the visa details.
For most people waiting for an update, you should select “Invitation Request.”
5. Enter Your Details
Once you select “Invitation Request,” new boxes will appear. Fill them out carefully:
- Request Number: Enter the application number (the one starting with ‘E’).
- Record Number: Enter your Iqama number (the sponsor’s ID).
- Captcha Code: Type the image code exactly as shown.
6. View the Result
Click on the “Search” or “Inquire” button. The page will reload and show the status of your application.
Understanding the Status Results to Check Visit Visa Status of KSA
When the page reloads, you will see a text description of your application status. Here is what the different terms mean:
- Submitted to MOFA: This means your employer (or Chamber of Commerce) has approved the request, and it is now sitting with the Ministry. You just have to wait.
- Under Process: The Ministry is currently reviewing your documents. This is a good sign.
- Approved / Visa Document Issued: Congratulations. Your request is accepted. You will see a document with a specific “Visa Number.” You need to print this document for the next steps.
- Returned / Modified: There is an error in your application. You need to log back into your personal account and fix the mistake mentioned.
- Rejected: The request was denied. The reason is usually listed, such as profession mismatch or insufficient validity of the sponsor’s Iqama.
Common Issues When Checking Status
If you click search and get an error message, it is usually due to one of these reasons:
- Typing Errors: Ensure there are no spaces in the request number or ID number.
- Browser Cache: Sometimes the Captcha code is correct, but the browser thinks it is wrong. Refresh the page or try opening the website in “Incognito” or “Private” mode.
- Wrong Inquiry Type: Remember, if you search for “Visa Document” but you only have a “Request Number,” the system will say “Invalid Number.” Always ensure the Inquiry Type matches the number you are holding.
الأسئلة الشائعة
How long does it take for the status to change?
After the Chamber of Commerce approval, it typically takes 3 to 7 working days for the status to change on the MOFA website.
Can I check the status using only a passport number?
On the main inquiry page, you generally need the Request Number and Sponsor ID. However, once the visa is issued, you can use the “Visa Platform” to check validity using the passport number.
What should I do if the status is stuck on “Submitted”?
If the status does not change for more than two weeks, ask your company HR to confirm they have fully approved the request on their end. Sometimes the delay is interna