Saudi Arabia restarts its visa-on-arrival programme
The scheme enables holders of valid US, UK and Schengen visas to receive a one-year Saudi Arabian tourist visa upon arrival in the country
The government of Saudi Arabia has reopened its visa-on-arrival program for holders of valid visas from the US, UK and Schengen Area.
Travellers who hold visas for one of these three zones who travel on one of the Saudi Arabia’s national air carriers – Saudi, Flynas or Flyadeal – can receive a one-year tourism via upon arrival in the country without needing to apply in advance.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia who wish to make use of the scheme must have used their US, UK or Schengen visa to enter the issuing country or region before they can qualify for a visa-on-arrival in Saudi.
Citizens of any country eligible for the e-visa programme, which was introduced in 2019, may also receive a visa on arrival, regardless of the airline they are travelling with.
“Restoring the visa-on-arrival programme marks the final step in returning Saudi to a pre-pandemic level of openness and makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the world for leisure, business and religious travel,” said Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of STA. “This decision by the government will further support the many thousands of people who depend on tourism for their livelihoods while welcoming the world back to the destination with the warm hospitality for which the Saudi people are renowned."
The move follows the reopening of Saudi Arabia’s borders two weeks ago
The move comes two weeks after the country lifted all remaining Covid-related entry restrictions and brings the country back to a pre-pandemic level of openness after two years. The Saudi government announced the lifting of all restrictions on 6 March. Consequently, international visitors no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test upon entry.
However, new arrivals still need to purchase mandatory Covid-19 insurance upon arrival, available from any of the country’s international airports. Masks are still required to be worn in enclosed public spaces.
Saudi Arabia first opened to international leisure travellers in September 2019, less than six months before its borders were closed due to the pandemic.