New Order Issued For 6 Countries Regarding Visa

Saudi Arabia extends tourist visit visas to 6 additional countries, enhancing travel ease and boosting tourism. The Ministry of Tourism streamlines the visa process, allowing online issuance and at Saudi ports, further improving traveller convenience.

Requirements for Visa Application

The following are the general requirements for visa application to Saudi Arabia:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of travel.
• A completed visa application form.
• A passport-size photo.
• Proof of accommodation and return travel arrangements.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.
• A valid visa for a third country (if required).

Specific requirements for tourist e-visas

Tourist e-visas are available to citizens of certain countries who are travelling to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. The specific requirements for tourist e-visas vary depending on the country of citizenship. However, some common requirements include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of travel.
• A completed online visa application form.
• A passport-size photo.
• Payment of the visa fee.

Additional requirements

In addition to the general and specific requirements listed above, applicants may also be required to submit additional documents, such as:

• A medical certificate (for certain nationalities).
• A letter of invitation (for business visas).
• A copy of your birth certificate (for certain nationalities).
• A copy of your marriage certificate (for certain nationalities).

Countries Eligible for Tourist Visa Services

The list of countries that qualify for tourist visa services includes:

1. Turkey
2. Thailand
3. Mauritius
4. Seychelles
5. Panama
6. Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Benefits of Visa Service After Entry

The new visa rules in Saudi Arabia that allow visa services after entry offer a number of benefits, including:

• Greater flexibility and convenience for travellers: Travellers can now complete their visa application and approval process upon arrival, eliminating the need for advanced visa planning. This is particularly beneficial for spontaneous travellers or those with rapidly changing itineraries.

• Reduced costs: Travellers may no longer need to pay for visas in advance, which can save them money.

• Shorter waiting times: Travellers may be able to obtain their visas more quickly by applying upon arrival, especially during peak travel times.

• More welcoming and accessible environment for visitors: The new visa rules send a message that Saudi Arabia is welcoming and accessible to visitors. This can help to promote Saudi Arabia as a desirable destination for tourists and business travellers.

Here are some specific examples of how the new visa rules can benefit travellers:

• A business traveller who needs to travel to Saudi Arabia on short notice can now apply for a visa upon arrival, without having to worry about pre-arranging it.

• A family on vacation can decide to visit Saudi Arabia on a whim, without having to worry about whether they will be able to get visas in time.

• A group of friends travelling together can have different visa requirements, but they can all apply for visas upon arrival and avoid the hassle of coordinating their visa applications in advance.

Key Conditions for Applying for Post-Entry Visas

The following are the key conditions for applying for post-entry visas to Saudi Arabia:

• Time limits: Travellers must apply for their post-entry visas within the designated time limits after arriving in Saudi Arabia. The specific time limits vary depending on the nationality of the traveller and the type of visa they are applying for.

• Visa identification facility: Once a traveller's post-entry visa expires, they will no longer have access to the visa identification facility. This means that they will not be able to use their visa to enter or exit Saudi Arabia.

• Exiting the country before visa expiry: It is crucial for visitors to exit Saudi Arabia before their post-entry visa expires. Overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia is a serious offence and can result in legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

• Performing Umrah on a tourist visa during the Hajj season is prohibited: Umrah is a minor pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina that can be performed at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. The Hajj season is a five-day pilgrimage to Mecca that is performed by Muslims from all over the world. Only Muslims with a valid Hajj visa are allowed to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Impact on Tourism and Travel in Saudi Arabia

The introduction of post-entry visa services to the selected countries is expected to have a significant impact on tourism and travel in Saudi Arabia.

Positive impacts:

• Increased tourism: The simplified visa process is expected to attract a higher number of tourists to Saudi Arabia.

• Increased business travel: The post-entry visa services will make it easier for business travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, which could boost trade and investment.

• Improved perception of Saudi Arabia: The streamlined visa process and the country's commitment to enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination will create a more positive impression of Saudi Arabia among travellers.

• Economic benefits: The increase in tourism and business activities can boost various sectors of the Saudi economy, such as hospitality, transportation, and local businesses.

• Alignment with Saudi Arabia's economic vision: The introduction of post-entry visa services aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision for economic diversification and development.

FAQS

What are the new visa rules for the 6 countries mentioned in the announcement?

The new visa rules pertain to changes in visa services for these countries, specifically, the availability of these services after entry.

Which 6 countries do these new visa rules apply to?

The announcement applies to visa rules for a specific group of 6 countries, which will be mentioned in the order.

 Can you explain what "visa service available after entry" means?

This means that you can apply for and process your visa after arriving in the country rather than in advance.

Why have these changes in visa rules been introduced?

The specific reasons for these changes will be outlined in the order, but they could be related to simplifying the visa application process or accommodating certain travellers' needs.

Will these changes affect all types of visas, such as tourist and business visas?

The nature of visas affected by these changes will be detailed in the order, which will specify the types of visas to which the new rules apply.

How can I stay informed about the latest updates on these visa rules?

To stay updated on these new visa rules and any related developments, keep an eye on official government websites and immigration authorities in your country or the destination country. They will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.