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Saudi Arabia to offer e-visas for GCC residents to promote tourism

By Pramod Kumar
Monastery, Building, Architecture Creative Commons
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the decision will make it quicker, easier and more accessible to visit Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has issued new regulations that enable GCC residents to apply for an e-visa and allows residents of the UK, US, and European Union (EU) to apply for a visa on arrival, the tourism ministry said in a statement.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the decision will make it quicker, easier and more accessible to visit Saudi Arabia.

Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the UK, US, or one of the Schengen agreement countries can get a visa on arrival, provided that it has been used at least once to enter the country granting the visa.

The announcement means most visitors will no longer need to attend their country’s embassy before entering Saudi Arabia, increasing opportunities for potential travellers.

Over one million e-visas have been issued since their launch in 2019, the ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently introduced a new multi-entry visa for visitors holding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya card.

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