Unlocking Saudi Arabia: 63 countries now eligible for e-visit visas

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RIYADH, Oct 19, (Agencies): Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visit visa system to include citizens from six additional countries, bringing the total number of eligible nations to 63, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism.

The six newly added countries are Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to promote openness, diversify its economy, and encourage tourism development within the kingdom.

The electronic visit visa permits travelers to explore Saudi Arabia, and undertake the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, but not the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition to the newly included nations, travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, and those holding visit visas to the US, UK, the Schengen area, and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council are also eligible to apply for this type of visa.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced various initiatives to attract more foreign visitors and tourists, including the introduction of tourist visas for citizens of several countries in September 2019.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia launched a four-day transit visa, which allows travelers to perform the Umrah, visit the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) Mosque in Medina, and participate in various events across the kingdom. This transit visa is issued automatically along with the passenger’s ticket and can be applied for through the electronic platforms of Saudi national carriers, Saudia Airlines, and Flynas.

A digital visa is instantly issued and sent to the beneficiary via email.

Saudi Arabia has set a target to welcome 25 million foreign tourists in 2023, in line with its broader economic diversification and tourism industry development plans.

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