Saudi Arabia's E-Visa Program Adds Six Countries, Including Turkey and Thailand

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its efforts to attract tourists and bolster its tourism sector, as it recently announced the expansion of its e-visa system to include visitors from six additional countries.

The Ministry of Tourism disclosed that travelers from Türkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius are now eligible to apply for e-visas.

These e-visas can be used for various purposes, including leisure, business, and religious travel for Umrah.

With this expansion, Saudi Arabia now grants visitor e-visas to an impressive total of 63 countries.

Furthermore, individuals who hold valid Schengen, UK, and US visas that have been previously used for entry into their respective countries are also eligible for the e-visa.

This provision extends to permanent residents of EU and GCC countries, the UK, and the US, further facilitating travel to the Kingdom.

As part of its commitment to making travel more accessible, Saudi Arabia continues to offer the free 96-hour Stopover Visa.

This initiative allows passengers traveling through Saudia and Flynas to enjoy a stay of up to 96 hours in the country before continuing to their final destination.

These developments align with the broader goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and foster development.

One of the key objectives is to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP from 3% to over 10% and generate one million job opportunities within the Saudi tourism sector.

The Ministry of Tourism initially introduced the visitor e-visa in 2019, providing a gateway for tourists from eligible countries to explore Saudi Arabia's tourist attractions, participate in entertainment events, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Saudi culture and traditions.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism is committed to expanding the list of countries and regions whose citizens can obtain visitor e-visas.

This expansion will run parallel to ongoing efforts to develop and enhance the infrastructure in the tourism sector within the Kingdom, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's dedication to becoming a premier global tourist destination.

Source: Saudi Gazette