The Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced the creation of instant electronic visas for tourists and permanent residents in the Schengen area, Great Britain and the United States.
June 14, 2023
Tourist visa holders from these destinations can “enjoy the simplified entrance” to the state by submitting an application for this instant electronic permit through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The main aim of this measure is the entry of tourists into the Kingdom, allowing them to enjoy their tourist destinations and events and get information about the heritage and history of Saudi Arabia, reports the official SPA agency.
This exemption is granted to holders of a valid tourist or business visa from one of the countries in the Schengen area, the United Kingdom or the United States of America as long as the visa is used at least once to enter the Kingdom.
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This “eVisa” guarantees the same right of entry into the country to the holder’s first degree relative. Persons with permanent residence permits in any of the countries mentioned and their first-degree relatives who can enter by land, air or sea, according to the SPA, may also benefit from it.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has indicated that this type of visa cannot be used for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca or for attending certain events, exhibitions or conferences. Similarly, from Tourism they have emphasized the “importance of complying with the laws” of countries and the need to carry “at all times” relevant identity documents.
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