The Saudi government has announced that it will now grant visitor e-visas to individuals from Türkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius for leisure, business, and religious travel (Umrah pilgrimage only). This initiative marks a significant step towards making Saudi Arabia a premier destination for global tourists, bringing the total number of countries granted visitor e-visas by Saudi Arabia to an impressive 63.
In a press release issued by the Saudi Tourism Authority, the nation expressed its commitment to reimagining the tourism experience, emphasising the renowned warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality, known as “Hafawah.” This warm welcome is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism plans, designed to enchant and captivate visitors from around the world.
One of the key features of the new visitor visa is its convenience. The e-visa, which can be obtained via the official portal at visa.visitsaudi.com, is valid for a full year, allowing multiple entries and permitting a stay of up to 90 days per visit. To enhance the experience further, Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner, empowering visitors to create customised itineraries that cater to their interests and preferences.
Saudi Arabia offers a diverse array of attractions and activities for travellers to explore. From visiting Saudi’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites to snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea, which boasts some of the world’s most spectacular yet undiscovered diving spots, the country offers a wealth of natural wonders. In addition, visitors can stroll through Taif’s world-famous Rose Gardens, indulge in shopping experiences at Riyadh’s Deira Souq, explore the lush, green Asir region, and savour the country’s diverse culinary scene, which includes fragrant Arabic dishes and internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants. Saudi Arabia truly has something for everyone.
The introduction of the visitor e-visa in 2019 marked a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. Since then, the nation has witnessed unprecedented growth in tourism, thanks to a series of visa initiatives. Initially targeting 49 countries, the visitor visa programme has expanded to include 63 countries and special administrative regions. Additionally, in 2022, Saudi Arabia extended its visa regulations to provide visitor e-visas to individuals holding valid Schengen, United Kingdom, and United States of America visas that have been used to enter those countries prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia. Permanent residents of EU and GCC countries, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States of America, were also included in this expansion.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia introduced the 96-hour Stopover Visa, which allows travellers to stay in the country for up to four days. This visa is perfect for those looking to explore Saudi Arabia or perform Umrah pilgrimage. Religious travellers can book flights through SAUDIA and Flynas and must also register for Umrah through the Nusuk platform.
For those interested in obtaining a Saudi tourist e-visa and learning more about travel regulations, detailed information is available at www.visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations and through @AskVisitSaudi. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world continues to evolve, ensuring that its cultural treasures and natural wonders are accessible to all who seek to explore them.
…
Photo – top of page – Convertkit / Unsplash
…
Text by Gerard Lefebvre
