Saudi Arabia Starts Offering Electronic Tourist Visas to GCC Residents

Saudi Arabia announced a new visa scheme for residents of the GCC states and introduced a visa on arrival scheme for other countries. In this way, Saudi Arabia hopes to give a boost to the tourist sector and attract 100 million visitors a year by 2030.

GCC residents will be able to apply for an electronic tourist visa on the ‘Visit Saudi’ website to enter the kingdom. The visa, which has single- and multiple-entry options, will cost SAR300 (roughly $80) and enable travellers to visit the country for tourism purposes as well as for performing Umrah.

Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries.

The new regulation also introduces a visa on arrival scheme for visitors for UK, US and EU residents. Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the UK, US or one of the Schengen Agreement countries can continue to apply for a visa on arrival, provided that it has been used at least once to enter the country granting the visa.

The step aims at achieving the Saudi goal of welcoming 100 million visitors a year by 2030.