Saudi Arabia offers electronic tourist visa to GCC residents

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has introduced a new visa scheme for residents of the GCC states.

GCC residents will be able to to apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) on the ‘Visit Saudi’ website to enter the kingdom. The visa, which has single- and multiple-entry options, will cost SAR300 and enable travellers to visit the country for tourism purposes as well as for performing Umrah.

Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries, a statement said.

The new regulation will additionally enable UK, US and EU residents to apply for a visa on arrival. Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the UK, US or one of the Schengen Agreement countries can continue to apply for a visa on arrival, provided that it has been used at least once to enter the country granting the visa.

For all residents of the UK, USA and EU ??????
Visa on arrival is now available in #Saudi ??

For more: https://t.co/CQMdahJz2t#WelcomeToArabia pic.twitter.com/ZM6THN89bq

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudiNow) September 1, 2022

The new eVisa announcement, and the extension of the visa on arrival is a step forward in facilitating tourists from all over the world to visit Saudi, the statement added.

Today’s announcement will make it easier than ever before to visit #SaudiArabia, a great example of collaboration across the sector to provide a seamless travel experience for our visitors. pic.twitter.com/3qpv9slLdz

— وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) September 1, 2022

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “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.”

Last month, Saudi Arabia announced that it has allowed all types of visa holders to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Read: Saudi permits all types of visa holders to perform Umrah