Saudi Arabia has announced the expansion of its electronic visa (e-visa) program to include citizens from three additional countries, enhancing accessibility and convenience for international travellers.
Citizens of Barbados, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Grenada can now avail themselves of the e-visa system to apply for visas online or obtain them upon arrival at Saudi entry points. This expansion marks a significant milestone, increasing the total number of eligible countries for e-visas to 66.
Saudi Arabia has also extended its tourist visa eligibility to the US, the UK and the EU residents. Further, visit visa holders from the US, UK and the Schengen area are now eligible to apply for tourist visas, facilitating smoother travel arrangements for a broader range of international visitors.
Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are also eligible for Saudi visas, enabling them to engage in various travel purposes, including tourism, the Umrah pilgrimage, visiting family and friends, as well as participating in events, exhibitions and conferences within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has introduced transit visas for travellers flying with Saudia and Flynas Airlines. This initiative allows transit passengers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours before continuing their journey, enhancing connectivity and transit options for air travellers.
The expansion of Saudi Arabia's visa program aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's broader initiative to showcase the country's rich tourist offerings, engage visitors in cultural experiences and promote international interaction. The introduction of visit visas in September 2019 has been instrumental in attracting tourists and fostering a vibrant tourism sector in the Kingdom.