In a move to broaden its global outreach and stimulate tourism, Saudi Arabia has announced the introduction of e-visas for six new countries. The Ministry of Tourism revealed that e-visas would be granted to visitors from Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius, facilitating leisure, business, and religious travel, specifically for Umrah.
With this development, the total count of countries granted visitor e-visas has risen to 63. Notably, the e-visa provision extends to holders of valid Schengen, UK, and US visas that have been previously used to enter these countries, along with permanent residents of the EU and GCC nations, the UK, and the US.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, committed to advancing its Vision 2030 objectives, is striving to elevate the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP from 3% to over 10%, aiming to create one million job opportunities within the Saudi tourism industry.
The introduction of the visitor e-visa in 2019 was a significant step towards providing tourists and eligible visitors the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourist destinations, partake in entertainment events, and experience the rich culture and authentic traditions of the country.
The Ministry of Tourism has outlined its plans to further expand the number of countries and regions whose citizens may avail the visitor e-visa, in conjunction with the continuous development and expansion of the tourism sector’s infrastructure within the Kingdom.
As part of the new system, Saudi visa stickers will be replaced by a printed e-visa featuring a QR code, which will contain all the necessary passenger data and information. The e-visa will supersede the use of stickers for labor, visit, or residency visas.
The decision to broaden the scope of e-visas is expected to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a top destination for global travelers, promoting cultural exchange and contributing to the growth and diversification of the national economy.
Saudi Arabia’s growing accessibility to international visitors is indicative of the nation’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and promoting cross-cultural engagement. The move is set to encourage tourism and facilitate a deeper understanding of the rich heritage and vibrant modern offerings that the Kingdom has to offer.
