Saudi Arabia has expanded the accessibility of its electronic visa (E-visa) program to include citizens from three additional countries: Barbados, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and Grenada. Individuals from these countries now have the option to apply for their visas online or obtain them upon arrival at entry points in Saudi Arabia. With this expansion, the total number of countries eligible for the E-visa has increased to 66.
#SaudiArabia continues to welcome the world by streamlining visa procedures and adding 3 new countries eligible for e-visas or upon arrival to any of Saudi international airports, marking a significant step forward in providing an unforgettable tourism experience. pic.twitter.com/rlb1tCha0A
— وزارة السياØØ© (@Saudi_MT) May 8, 2024
Read more: How to get an e-visa to Saudi Arabia
This initiative is a significant part of the Ministry of Tourism‘s strategic efforts to enhance global connectivity, promote economic diversification, and achieve the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2030 for the tourism sector. These goals include surpassing a 10 percent contribution of the tourism industry to the GDP and creating one million jobs.
New categories added
In addition to the citizens of the newly included countries, the tourist visa has been extended to seven additional categories. These categories encompass residents of the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.), and the European Union, as well as holders of visit visas from the U.S., the U.K., and the Schengen area. Moreover, residents of GCC countries are eligible for the visa, facilitating various travel purposes such as tourism, Umrah pilgrimage, visiting family and friends, and participating in a range of events, exhibitions, and conferences. Saudi Arabia has also introduced transit visas for passengers traveling on Saudia and flynas airlines, allowing a 96-hour stay in the Kingdom before continuing their journey.
The introduction of the visit visa by the Ministry of Tourism in September 2019 was part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourist attractions, engage visitors in cultural experiences, and promote international interaction.
Furthermore, the E-visit visa system will be expanded in the future to include more countries and regions. This progression will be accompanied by the continuous development and expansion of the Kingdom’s tourism sector infrastructure.
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