The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has unveiled the expansion of its eVisa program to include nationals from six additional countries. The new additions to the program are Mauritius, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Thailand, and Türkiye.

In a statement, the Ministry expressed its commitment to welcoming the world by enhancing and simplifying the issuance of eVisas to these new countries, allowing for electronic issuance or on-arrival entry points to offer an unforgettable travel experience.

This extension brings the total number of nationalities eligible for the Saudi eVisa to over 60. Already, citizens from countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US have the convenience of submitting their visa applications online.

Moreover, the eVisa is accessible to individuals holding current Schengen, UK, and US visas, which were utilized to enter those nations before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Permanent residents of the US, the UK, and other EU and Gulf Cooperation Council nations are also eligible.

The Saudi eVisa, designed as a multiple-entry tourist visa, enables a 90-day stay with each entry, remaining valid for a year from the date of approval.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Initiative Driving Tourism Growth

This modification to Saudi Arabia's visa policy aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative. The goals include augmenting revenue from tourist arrivals and generating one million job opportunities within the Saudi tourism sector.

The introduction of the Saudi eVisa in September 2019 for 49 nationalities proved to be a monumental success. In 2022, there was a remarkable 93% increase in visitors to Saudi Arabia compared to the previous year, with an expenditure of SR185 billion ($49 billion) on tourism.

Saudi Arabia is steadily progressing toward achieving its 2030 target of hosting 100 million visitors. Travel and tourism now constitute 4.5% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, up from 3% the previous year. By 2030, the tourism industry is anticipated to contribute 10% to the GDP.

The Tourism Ministry aims to further expand the list of countries eligible for the tourist eVisa, aligning with the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure.

Beyond facilitating tourism, the Saudi online visa permits holders to visit friends and relatives, attend events, exhibitions, and conferences, as well as perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

New eVisa Policy Enhances Hajj and Umrah Travel for Turkish Citizens

The addition of Türkiye to the eVisa program has significant implications for Turkish citizens, according to Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabia, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. Al-Rabia highlighted the ease that the eVisa provides for Turkish citizens wishing to visit the holy lands and emphasized ongoing talks with the Turkish government to enhance services for those visiting Mecca and Medina.

As a result of this new visa policy, there is an expected increase in the number of flights between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Saudi airlines, including Saudia and Flynas, are set to expand their flight offerings, fostering greater connectivity between the two nations during Umrah seasons. Flynas, a private Saudi airline, is introducing direct flights from Ankara to Jeddah, further facilitating travel for Turkish citizens.