Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia with an eVisa can now perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season only, according to information provided on the Saudi Arabia eVisa website. However, for non-Muslims, Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is granted for tourist purposes only and visitors are prohibited from visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage in Saudi Arabia had stated in January 2020, that those who have obtained an entry visa to the United States of America, the United Kingdom or a European visa (Schengen) can enter in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and get a visit to the airports and other ports only.
Popular Visas
A source from the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage said that this is a continuation of the work of launching the tourist visa and the opening by the kingdom of its doors to the world, and in accordance with what was included in the tourism system and visit the regulations for tourism purposes. The source added that there is an existing committee chaired by the chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, which is working to define the objectives and the mechanism for application of visitor visa structure. The source said that those who obtain a tourist or commercial visa for these countries can now enter the kingdom and obtain a tourist visa via the visa upon arrival only, and they are not included in the electronic visa.
Popular Visas
The source said that the visitor to the kingdom must have used their visa to visit America, Great Britain or one of the Schengen countries before entering the kingdom. He added that this stage is one of the many measures taken by the kingdom to attract tourists from different countries of the world.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation has issued to national air transport companies to allow holders of these visas after verification before the end of the travel procedures. Important things to consider before applying for a tourist e-Visa for Saudi Arabia.
1-Travelers must have their passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have at least one page available for stamping.
2-The visa allows applicants to enter Saudi Arabia several times and visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days in total. You can apply for a tourist e-visa for Saudi Arabia if the purpose of your visit is for leisure (tourism).
Popular Visas
The possession of a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia does not confer an automatic right of entry to the holder in the country. The immigration officer at the port of entry may refuse entry to any person, if he considers that such a person is unable to meet the immigration conditions or that his presence in Saudi Arabia would be contrary to national interests or security.
How to get the visa on arrival
Tourist can apply for visa on arrival at one of Saudi Arabia’s entry points if any of the following conditions apply:
The tourist is from one of the countries in the eligible countries list.
The tourist is holding USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen visas.
Following are the requirements
1-The visa is valid.
2-The visa type is either tourist or business.
3-The visa has to be used at least once and have an entry stamp of the issuing country.
4-Travel must be with SAUDIA or any other of Saudi Arabia’s national air carrier
