RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism has announced that people holding US, UK, or Schengen tourist visas, as well as permanent residents from an EU country, can now apply for an instant e-visa to Saudi Arabia.
The streamlined entry procedure can be organized through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The move is part of the ministry’s efforts to facilitate entry to the Kingdom for those wishing to visit, allowing them to enjoy its tourist attractions as well as its rich heritage and history.
Holders of a valid tourism or business visa from the US, the UK, or a Schengen state are granted an exception, provided that the visa has been used at least once to enter the issuing country. The exception grants the same entry rights to the visa holder’s first-degree relatives, as well as permanent residents in the US, EU, or UK.
Permanent residents can also grant first-degree relatives access to the Kingdom via an upon-arrival visa.
The amended tourist visa regulations state that visitors must follow all laws and regulations while in the Kingdom, including carrying identification documents at all times. They also emphasize that a tourist visa does not permit holders to perform Hajj or Umrah during the pilgrimage season.
