Saudi Arabia recently introduced an innovative e-visa platform catering to visa holders from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and the Schengen region. This new service aims to streamline the visa application process and enhance convenience for travelers from these nations.
Table of Contents
Instant Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia has expanded its new e-visa service to include permanent residents of any European Union (EU) country. This means that individuals holding permanent residency in the EU can now utilize the convenient e-visa platform when planning their travel to the Kingdom.
Also Read: Rainy Weather Forecast for 13 June across the Pakistan
Furthermore, individuals holding tourism or business visas from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), or any of the Schengen states can enjoy certain exemptions. However, it’s important to note that these exemptions are applicable only if the visa has been utilized to enter the issuing country at least once.
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has released an official statement, stating that:
“In order to complete the process of facilitating procedures and providing an integrated tourism experience; The Kingdom allows holders of visas of the United States, the European Union (Schengen) and the United Kingdom, and their residents, to issue a tourist visa electronically and immediately through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) website.”
However, it has been clarified by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia that holders of tourist visas are not permitted to undertake the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages during the designated pilgrimage season.
The Ministry further emphasized in the statement, “This progressive measure aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing endeavors to simplify entry into the Kingdom for individuals seeking to explore its wonders, enabling them to immerse themselves in its tourist destinations, partake in captivating tourism events, and delve into the rich heritage and historical significance of the Kingdom.”
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the visa will remain valid for a duration of three months and will be issued free of charge, eliminating any associated fees.
In a separate development in February, Saudi Arabia introduced an additional transit visa option specifically for passengers traveling with Saudi Arabian carriers such as Flynas and Saudia. This transit visa allows passengers with a layover in the Kingdom to explore and experience the country during their stopover.