The Ministry of Tourism announced on Monday that permanent residents from any EU nation as well as holders of UK, US, and Schengen tourist visa holders could expedite admission into Saudi Arabia by requesting an instant e-Visa through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An exception has been made for people who have a current tourist or business visa from the US, the UK, or one of the Schengen nations, as long as the visa has been utilized at least once to enter the country of issuance.
First-degree relatives of the visa holder who fall under the aforementioned exception are also eligible to enter, as are those who have been granted permanent residency in the US, EU, or UK.
Holders of permanent residency may also provide first-degree relatives with a visa-on-arrival at any airport, on land, or at sea.
The aforementioned action is in line with the Ministry’s efforts to make it easier for people who want to visit the Kingdom to do so, enabling them to take advantage of tourist attractions, take part in tourist activities, and learn more about the heritage and depth of the Kingdom’s history.
The Ministry further emphasized that holders of tourism visas are not permitted to conduct the Hajj or Umrah during the pilgrimage season.
It advised those looking for further details on the rules governing tourist visas or access to a list of the nationalities qualified to apply for a visa to go to the MOFA website.
