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Saudi Arabia introduces new instant e-visa

The introduction of the e-visa is one of several initiatives launched by the kingdom in the past year to enhance the visitor experience

by Divsha Bhat

June 13, 2023

Image credit: Getty Images

Saudi Arabia has introduced new instant e-visa options to simplify the process for individuals holding UK, US, and Schengen visas, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country, to obtain tourist e-visas for visiting the kingdom.

The country had previously expanded its regulations to offer visas on arrival to these six categories, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Since opening its doors to tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, attracting 93.5 million visitors in 2022.

The Saudi Tourism Authority is actively working to enhance accessibility and connectivity, employing digitisation to create streamlined entry pathways for travellers and enable them to explore the country’s rich cultural diversity.

Saudi Arabia Announces New Instant E-Visa Options For Visitors.https://t.co/nhWMoeTh21 #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/vjTd8H6Xj6

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) June 12, 2023

The introduction of the new instant e-visa is just one of several initiatives launched by the kingdom in the past year to enhance the visitor experience.

In 2022, the Saudi Tourism Authority collaborated with the Pilgrim Experience Program to launch the Nusuk platform, the country’s first official integrated digital platform. Nusuk offers pilgrims and visitors a user-friendly planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah, Madinah, and other destinations.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia had previously extended visa on arrival services to individuals with valid US, UK, and Schengen visas, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and any EU country, while e-visa eligibility was expanded to include residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Read: Saudi Arabia relaxes tourist visa rule for all GCC residents

Earlier this year, Saudi also introduced the Stopover Visa, a free-of-charge option available to passengers traveling on Saudia and flynas. This visa, open to a greater number of countries compared to the previous tourism e-visa, allows visitors to stay in the kingdom for up to 96 hours.