Saudi eVisa update: New countries and categories added to the list

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The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, announced the expansion of its eVisa programme to tourists from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada.

Nationals of these three countries can now apply for a visitor visa to Saudi either electronically or at the country’s international ports of entry.

The announcement marks the latest expansion of Saudi’s eVisa programme.

#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 السياحة (@Saudi_MT) May 8, 2024

Tourist visa category extension

In addition to this, Saudi authorities extended tourist visa to residents of the US, UK, EU, and holders of visit visas from these countries.

The e-visa system will expand to include more countries as the kingdom’s tourism sector grows.

Since its launch in September 2019, the eVisa programme has grown from 49 nations to a total of 66 countries, with the latest addition of the Bahamas, Barbados, and Grenada.

The kingdom has introduced transit visas for travellers on Saudia and Flynas airlines, allowing a 96-hour stay in the country before continuing their journey.

Having already proved a significant factor in delivering Saudi’s target of 100 million tourists by 2030, the programme likewise constitutes a key pillar in delivering the Vision 2030 target of attracting 150 million tourists.

The expansion of the eVisa system will also help Saudi deliver on its goals of increasing the country’s tourism industry’s contribution to GDP beyond 10 per cent and creating one million jobs.

Read: Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India