Saudi Ministry of Tourism: tourist visas for Gulf residents, ‎holders of US, UK, Schengen visas available

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced amendments to the visit visa regulation for the purpose of tourism, which included expanding the eligible categories, and providing more options for those wishing to visit the Kingdom for the purpose of tourism.

In accordance with the amended visit visa regulation for the purpose of tourism issued by the Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, the Kingdom welcomes residents of the Gulf countries, as well as those who obtain Schengen visas, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, and their residents.

In details, the Ministry clarified that those who have obtained a residence visa in one of the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf can enter the Kingdom with an electronic tourist visa, which they can apply for through visitsaudi.com/visa, provided that the residence is valid for a period of no less than For three months, according to the professions published on the electronic platform, and this includes the first-degree relatives of the residence visa holder coming with him, and domestic service workers coming with their sponsors.

On the other hand, the amended regulation granted an exception to holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or one of the Schengen Agreement countries, given that it has been used at least once to enter the visa-granting country. This includes the first-degree relatives of the visa holder coming with him, in addition to those who have permanent residence in the United States of America, permanent residence in the European Union, or permanent residence in the United Kingdom, including relatives of the first degree residence Those arriving with him, through a visa upon arrival at any of the Kingdom’s land, sea or air ports.

The amended tourist visa regulation confirmed that tourists while they are in the Kingdom comply with the regulations and instructions followed, including carrying identification documents at all times. The Ministry also noted that the tourist visa does not allow performing the Hajj, nor does it allow the performance of Umrah during the Hajj season.

The ministry invited those wishing to obtain more details about the amended tourist visa regulation, and to know the list of countries whose nationalities can apply for a visa, to visit the electronic platform www.visitsaudi.com or the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.visitsaudi.com

www.mofa.gov.sa