The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has updated its entry visa rules to make the country for the purpose of tourism, the official gazette of the country announced.
The new regulation states that the validity of the 3-month visa shall be a one-time entry, provided that the period of stay does not exceed one month.
The multiple-entry visa is valid for a year, provided that each period of stay does not exceed 3 months during its validity.
The new decree signed by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism allows GCC residents to apply for electronic visit visa online.
Travellers from the UK, the US and the EU can obtain their e-visa via the portal as well.
“Elevating the visitor experience is at the heart of the tourism sector’s future. Through harnessing digital innovation and streamlining the traveller journey, Saudi Arabia is welcoming more and more visitors from all corners of the globe,” the Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said.
The minister added “tourism bridges cultures and connects communities, it provides opportunities and uplifts neighbourhoods, and I am proud to lead the ministry as we build this future together.”
Countries that can apply for the e-visa include: Canada, USA, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Brunei, China (Including Hong Kong And Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Entry visa rules for GCC travellers
GCC travellers must have a 3-month valid residence visa issued by a GCC country and a passport valid for over six months, to be eligible for an e-visa.
Additionally, applicants must be employed in specific occupations, those of which are listed on the portal.
Visa applicants cannot choose their visa options as it will be granted on a case by case basis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For children under 18 years, parents must apply for their e-visa first, and then reapply for minors. An application will cost 300 Saudi riyals ($80), excluding the health insurance fee.
Visa rules for travellers from UK, US and EU
UK, US and EU residents can apply for visa on arrival, as long as applicants hold a permanent residence permit from the US, the UK or an EU country, and a passport valid for over six months.
Visas on arrival will be granted at all of the kingdom’s air, sea and land ports. An application will cost 300 Saudi riyals ($80), excluding the health insurance fee.
Visa applicants cannot choose their visa options as it will be granted on a case by case basis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Validity and duration of stay is the same as for GCC visitors.
US, UK or Schengen visa must be valid and has been used at least once with an entry stamp from the issuing country. US, UK or Schengen visa must be either business or tourist visa.
Embassy issued entry visas
Those who hold the nationality of a country not included in the list published on the website can apply for via through the Kingdom’s mission’s abroad or through the digital embassy on the platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visitors must apply with proof of accommodation, a return ticket, complete personal information that includes a home address and bank statement, employment proof and a flight itinerary.
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