Saudi Arabia extends e-visa to citizens of 6 more countries

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Tuesday, October 17, extended access to its electronic tourist visa to citizens from six new countries, taking the total to 63, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The step is part of the ongoing efforts to promote development and economic diversification in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The visitor e-visa is valid for a whole year, allows multiple entries and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

Visitors from 63 countries can apply for the visa through the online or upon arrival at one of the Kingdom’s international airports.

Here is a list of eligible countries

Six added countries are

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

Other countries are

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Austria
4. Australia
5. Azerbaijan
6. Belgium
7. Brunei
8. Bulgaria
9. Canada
10. China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
11. Croatia
12. Cyprus
13. Czech republic
14. Denmark
15. Estonia
16. Finland
17. France
18. Georgia
19. Germany
20. Greece
21. Netherlands
22. Hungary
23. Iceland
24. Ireland
25. Italy
26. Japan
27. Kazakhstan
28. Kyrgyzstan
29. Latvia
30. Liechtenstein
31. Lithuania
32. Luxembourg
33. Malta
34. Malaysia
35. Maldives
36. Monaco
37. Montenegro
38. New Zealand
39. Norway
40. Poland
41. Portugal
42. Romania
43. Russia
44. San Marino
45. Singapore
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. Spain
49. South Africa
50. South Korea
51. Sweden
52. Switzerland
53. Tajikistan
54. Ukraine
55. United Kingdom
56. United States
57. Uzbekistan

A visit visa entitles you to

• Tourism

• Umrah

• Business

• Visiting friends and relatives

However, e-visa applicants are reminded of some restrictions. Here are some important points shared by the ministry:

• A visitor visa does not permit you to work for a wage or perform Umrah during Haj season

• To avoid penalties, visitors must leave the Kingdom before the specified duration of stay

• The stay duration of a multiple-entry visa type is shorter

• Visa renewal is possible only after expiration

The e-visa was introduced in 2019 to facilitate entry for international tourists to the Kingdom. In 2022, Saudi Arabia expanded the eligibility list to include holders of valid Schengen, UK, and US visas.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the free 96-hour stopover visa, which allows passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours.