Saudi Tourism Authority has applauded its Ministry of Tourism’s decision to enable residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a Visa-on-Arrival when entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The new regulations coincide with Saudi also permitting residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter the Kingdom.
The new eVisa announcement and the extension of the visa-on-arrival is viewed as a solid step forward in making it even easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Saudi. With a multitude of new and existing tourism precincts such as AlUla, The Red Sea Project, NEOM and TROJENA, Saudi is creating exciting opportunities for travellers to experience the authentic home of Arabia.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “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. We welcome our neighbours, and the world, to experience the authentic home of Arabia,” Hamidaddin said.
UK, US and EU residents who hold an eligible passport can now get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa on the official website ‘Visit Saudi’ and view all the requirements and procedures on the site. Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas have been available to citizens of 49 countries, which includes Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, since 2019.