Saudi Arabia: New visa scheme for GCC, EU, UK, and US residents

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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a new visa scheme that will be applicable to residents of GCC states, the US, EU, and the UK.

The new visas which include single- as well as multiple-entry options will be valid for both tourism and performing Umrah within Makkah. The visa’s price starts at SAR300, with an additional component payable for health insurance.

The ministry said that residents of GCC states – there are five other GCC member countries apart from Saudi which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE – can now apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi. The visa can be applied for on visitsaudi.com.

Furthermore, the ministry added that the new regulations will enable residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a visa on arrival in the kingdom.

UK, US and EU residents who hold a passport with at least six months of validity can get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa online.

Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries.

“The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement, it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority.

In another significant development with regards to its visa offerings, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the introduction of a new multi-entry visit visa to the kingdom for all those who possess a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya card. Holders of the Hayya card can apply for the new Saudi visa online itself. Visas will allow for a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.