Getting a Saudi visa in Qatar takes time and paperwork. Tasheer Saudi Visa Center simplifies this process for over 500,000 Qatar residents traveling to Saudi Arabia yearly, handling everything from document submission to passport return. Learn exactly how to secure your Saudi visa in 2025.
What Exactly Is Tasheer?
Tasheer operates as the official visa service provider appointed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The center, formerly known as VFS Tasheel, manages administrative tasks for Saudi visa applications across 40 countries worldwide. In Qatar, Tasheer acts as the bridge between applicants and Saudi immigration authorities.
The center handles document collection, biometric registration, fee processing, and passport delivery. However, Tasheer does not approve or reject visas. That decision rests entirely with Saudi immigration officials at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Doha.
Think of Tasheer as your visa assistant. They prepare your application package and send it to Saudi authorities, who make the final decision. This division of responsibilities speeds up the process and reduces errors in applications.
Where to Find Tasheer Visa Center in Doha?
The Tasheer Saudi Visa Center sits on the first floor of Ezdan Mall in Doha, near Gate 1 on Al Qabiya Street. This central location makes it accessible by public transport, with plenty of parking spaces available for those driving.
Contact Details:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +974 12345678
- Website: vc.tasheer.com
Operating Hours:
- Sunday through Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Fridays and Saturdays
- Online services: Available 24/7 for appointment booking and status tracking
Complete List of Services at Tasheer
Tasheer provides multiple services that make visa applications smoother:
Document Processing Services
The center reviews your paperwork, ensures completeness, and organizes documents according to Saudi requirements. Staff members check each document against a checklist, reducing rejection rates by 40%.
Biometric Data Collection
Every applicant must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph. Tasheer uses advanced biometric scanners that meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This data goes directly to Saudi immigration databases.
Payment Management
All visa fees, service charges, and optional extras get processed at Tasheer. The center accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Payment receipts serve as proof for tracking applications.
Real-Time Status Updates
Applicants receive SMS and email notifications at each stage. The visa tracking system shows when documents reach the embassy, when decisions are made, and when passports are ready for collection.
Passport Return Services
Choose between personal pickup, authorized representative collection, or courier delivery. Qatar Post handles courier services, typically delivering within 2-3 business days after visa approval.
Saudi Visa Types Available Through Tasheer
Tasheer processes 15 different visa categories for various travel purposes:
Tourist Visas
For leisure travelers exploring Saudi Arabia’s attractions like NEOM, Red Sea Project, or historical sites in Al-Ula. Processing takes 2-5 working days.
Business Visas
Required for attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities. Companies in sectors like oil, gas, and construction frequently use this category. Processing needs 5-7 working days.
Family Visit Visas
For visiting relatives who are Saudi residents or citizens. Sponsors must provide invitation letters certified by Saudi MOFA.
Work Visas
For employment in Saudi Arabia. Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a Saudi employer. Processing takes 2-3 weeks due to additional verification.
Medical Visas
For treatment at Saudi hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Requires medical reports and hospital appointment confirmations.
Religious Visas
Including Umrah visas for pilgrimage outside Hajj season. Hajj visas follow a separate quota system managed by Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf.
Educational Visas
Both short-term (for courses under 90 days) and long-term (for degree programs). Students need acceptance letters from Saudi educational institutions.
Transit Visas
For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia to other destinations. Valid for 96 hours maximum.
Required Documents for Saudi Visa Applications
Every visa application needs these basic documents:
Essential Documents
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months (U.S. citizens exempt from this requirement)
- Qatar Residence Permit (QID) valid for minimum 3 months
- Two recent passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed visa application form
- Travel insurance covering Saudi Arabia (minimum coverage: 100,000 SAR)
Additional Documents by Visa Type
For business visas, include:
- Company letter stating purpose of visit
- Saudi company invitation letter
- Chamber of Commerce registration
For family visits, provide:
- Sponsor’s Iqama copy
- Relationship proof (marriage or birth certificates)
- Sponsor’s invitation letter authenticated by Saudi MOFA
For work visas, submit:
- Employment contract
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Document Preparation
Gather all required documents. Check each document against Tasheer’s checklist on their website. Missing documents cause 60% of delays.
Step 2: Online Appointment Booking
Visit vc.tasheer.com. Select your nationality and visa type. The system shows available time slots for the next 30 days. Book early during peak seasons like Ramadan or summer holidays.
Step 3: Biometric Registration
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Security checks your documents at entry. You receive a token number and wait for your turn. The biometric process takes 5-10 minutes per person.
Step 4: Payment Processing
Pay all fees at the counter. Regular service costs 134 QAR. Lounge service (faster processing) costs 335 QAR extra. Saudi visa fees vary from 300 to 2,500 QAR depending on visa type and duration.
Step 5: Application Tracking
Your receipt contains a reference number. Use this on Tasheer’s website to check status. Most decisions come within 5-10 working days.
Step 6: Passport Collection
Once approved, collect your passport within 30 days. Bring your original receipt. For courier delivery, ensure someone’s available to receive the package.
Processing Times and Fees Structure
Standard Processing Times
- Tourist visas: 2-5 working days
- Business visas: 5-7 working days
- Family visit visas: 3-5 working days
- Work visas: 10-15 working days
- Medical visas: 7-10 working days
Fee Breakdown (as of 2025)
- Saudi visa fee: 300-2,568 QAR (varies by type)
- Tasheer service charge: 134 QAR
- Insurance fee: 180 QAR
- SMS service: 15 QAR
- Courier delivery: 50 QAR
- Lounge service: 335 QAR
Exchange rate fluctuations affect fees. Check current rates before applying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expired documents account for 30% of rejections. Check passport validity, QID expiry, and document attestation dates before applying.
- Incorrect sponsor information causes delays. Verify sponsor’s Iqama number, full name spelling, and contact details match official records.
- Old photographs get rejected frequently. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months, showing current appearance.
- Missing insurance delays tourist and business visa approvals. Purchase travel insurance covering your entire Saudi stay before applying.
Tasheer vs Saudi Embassy: Understanding the Difference
Many applicants confuse Tasheer’s role with the Saudi Embassy’s responsibilities. Tasheer manages logistics while the Saudi Embassy makes decisions.
Tasheer handles:
- Document collection and organization
- Biometric data capture
- Fee collection
- Passport return
- Customer service queries
The Saudi Embassy controls:
- Visa approval or rejection
- Security clearances
- Policy decisions
- Diplomatic matters
- Special case reviews
This separation allows the embassy to focus on decision-making while Tasheer manages administrative tasks efficiently.
Amir Amin is a blogger from Qatar. With a background in computer sciences, he founded “Qatar Visa Check” to provide essential information and support to expats navigating visa processes and settling in Qatar.