Saudi Visa Bio App Not Working? Here’s How To Fix the Problem!

If you’re planning on visiting Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, it is important that you know how to apply for a visa. Thankfully, the process is now uncomplicated and hassle-free with the Saudi Visa Bio app.

However, some people have experienced problems with the app, such as having the fingerprint scanning not working. If the Saudi Visa Bio app not working for you as well, we’ve got you covered with the steps and tricks to help you complete your biometrics process. Read on to find out!

What is Saudi Visa Bio App?

Saudi Visa Bio is an app that allows users to apply for Hajj and Umrah visas electronically by registering their biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. 

The app simplifies the process for pilgrims to have their visas issued, as visiting a visa issuance center is no longer necessary. Additionally, this method speeds up the border control process as visitors will only need to match their data with the information registered in the app upon their arrival. 

Saudi Arabia is the first country to implement such an innovative method to register biometrics using smartphones for the issuing of electronic visas.

In Which Countries is the Saudi Visa Bio App Available?

Saudi Visa Bio app is currently only available in several countries.

When it was launched in March 2022, the app was available only for pilgrims from 5 countries: the UK, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Since then, more and more countries have been added to the list.

As of 2024, the app is available in 8 countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.

What are the Required Documents to Apply for a Visa Using the Saudi Visa Bio App?

The data that you will need to provide when registering your biometrics in the Saudi Visa Bio app include the following:

1. A valid email address
2. A photo capture of your passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
3. A photo capture of your face
4. Fingerprint images for all of your 10 individual fingers. If you have medical conditions that may affect your fingerprint recognition, you can be exempt from fingerprint scanning but are required to provide an official medical document

How to Apply for a Visa Using the Saudi Visa Bio App?

To apply for an electronic visa for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage using the Saudi Visa Bio app, follow these steps:

1. Install the Saudi Visa Bio app in the Google Play Store for Android phones or the App Store for iOS. 
2. Once installed, open the app and enter your email address. Then, open your email box by clicking the “Go to Mail” button. Find an email sent by the MofaBioApp, open it, and click on “Click here to verify”. You will be directed back to the Saudi Visa Bio app. 
3. Choose the type of visa you want to apply for: Hajj or Umrah visa.
4. Scan your passport. Make sure your passport details are clearly visible with no shadow reducing the quality. Ensure sufficient lighting in the room or go outside to have a natural light.
5. Once scanned, the app will automatically generate your data. Check and confirm your passport details. If the data is incorrect, adjust it manually. 
6. Choose your issuing embassy.
7. You will need to confirm whether you have ever visited Saudi Arabia before, click Yes if you have or No if never. 
8. Take a photo of yourself. You can take a selfie or ask someone else to take it for you. Make sure there is enough light in the room, but ensure no shadow or direct light is cast on your face. The background should be plain and contrast so that your face will be visible. In addition, don’t use glasses and show a neutral facial expression.
9. Scan your fingerprint as commanded. You’ll be required to first scan your left thumb, left four fingers, right thumb, and then your right four fingers.
10. Once scanned, examine the data and confirm. The process is now complete and you’ll get a confirmation email.

The application process has to be completed in one session, so make sure that you’re all prepared before starting the registration.

Solving Saudi Visa Bio App Fingerprint Problem

If you’re experiencing difficulty in completing the fingerprint scanning process, no need to worry! We’ve found a trick that will help you to get your fingerprint scans accepted quickly and certainly.

To quickly sum up, the key to solving the fingerprint scanning problem is to have your fingerprint lines clearly visible and ensure steady photo-taking.

First of all, it is important to make sure that your fingerprint lines are clearly visible. When you are unable to see the lines of your fingerprint, the camera will have a hard time identifying it as well. So, how do you make your fingerprint lines more visible? Here’s the trick!

1. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil
2. Create a large shading on the paper using the pencil
3. Rub the tip of each of your individual fingers onto the shaded area of the paper. Make sure the whole area of your fingertip is completely rubbed, including the sides.

This trick will help your fingerprint appear more visible to the camera, making it ready for capture.

Now, the next trick is a bit more flexible depending on what object is available at your home. The point is, you have to make sure both the camera and your hands are steady. We don’t recommend holding the phone by yourself (or having someone hold it for you) as human bodies tend to be in motion, resulting in a shaky camera capture. We tried that even a very tiny shake would hinder the scanning process. So, here’s how we nailed it!

We used a glass table top as a still object to put the phone on top. If you don’t have a glass table top or something similar in your house, skip to the next paragraph. If you do, follow these steps!

1. Make sure the glass surface is clean and clear
2. Put the phone on top of the surface. The back camera of your phone should face the floor.
3. Put your hands under the table, then put a black/dark fabric under your hands. The dark-colored fabric will serve as a background. 
4. Your finger has to stay still. To make it easier to do so, put some other stuff like a stack of books under the fabric so your finger can rest on it.
5. Now you’re ready to scan your fingerprints!

Other than a glass table, you can also use other still objects to put your phone onto, such as a phone holder, a tripod, or a glass window. You may even be able to use an ordinary table by putting your phone on the edge of it, making it to be partially floating in the air. 

In any case, try to be creative with the objects you have at home. 

Good luck trying and may Allah ease your affairs!