Saudi Arabia Announces e-Visa For GCC Residents, Visa On Arrival For UK, US And EU Residents

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced new visa procedures on Thursday that will make visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia quicker, easier, and more accessible.

According to Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, the new regulations allow GCC residents to apply for an eVisa via the online portal at www.visitsaudi.com/visa and it also allows residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the United Kingdom, the United States, or one of the Schengen Agreement countries will be able to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), as long as they have entered the country granting the visa at least once.

Now, the Kingdom has ended the requirement for many prospective visitors to visit their home country’s embassy before entering Saudi Arabia, increasing opportunities for potential visitors through a simplified visitor journey.

Saudi Arabia Visa On Arrival (VOA)

You can obtain a 12-month tourist visa in Saudi Arabia without having to apply in advance. Available to countries eligible for an eVisa, as well as permanent residents of the US, UK, or EU, and holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas who meet the conditions listed below.

• US, UK or Schengen visa must be valid and have been used at least once and has an entry stamp from the issuing country.
• US, UK or Schengen visas must be either business or tourist visas.

Saudi Arabia e-Visa for GCC Residents

Saudi Arabia already has eVisa facilities in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in Asian countries such as Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.

Now the country has also started the eVisa facility for GCC residents, they can now apply for an eVisa on the visa portal.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said:

“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.”

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“On track to deliver our ambitious Vision 2030 goals, this is an important step as we develop a sustainable, resilient and competitive tourism sector while also delivering for our people. 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.”

The Ministry of Tourism leads the development of the sector in Saudi Arabia, developing policy and driving initiatives that are resulting in rapid growth in the Kingdom. Tourist visas are no exception, with over 1 million e-Visas issued since their inception in 2019.