Riyadh — Now the residents of GCC countries can now apply an e-Visa online to enter Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Tourism announced on Thursday.
Residents of the GCC can now apply for an eVisa online at www.visitsaudi.com/visa, while citizens of the UK, US, and EU can do so on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Holders of a current tourist or business visa from the US, the UK, or another Schengen Agreement nation may still apply for a visa on arrival, the ministry said, as long as the visa has been used at least once to enter the country issuing it.
The ministry noted that the new regulations provide options for potential tourists by easing the travel process and removing the requirement for many would-be visitors to personally visit their country’s embassy before entering Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said “elevating the visitor experience is at the heart of the tourism sector’s future”.
“Through harnessing digital innovation and streamlining the traveller journey, Saudi Arabia is welcoming more and more visitors from all corners of the globe”, Al-Khateeb said.
He also said, “On track to deliver our ambitious Vision 2030 goals, this is an important step as we develop a sustainable, resilient, and competitive tourism sector while also delivering for our people”.
“Tourism bridges cultures and connects communities, it provides opportunities and uplifts neighborhoods, and I am proud to lead the ministry as we build this future together”