Saudia Arabia recently revised its travel policies for foreign pilgrims under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Therefore, now allowing tourists from across the globe to arrive in the region with a valid tourist visa. This was done under the Saudi Vision plan. As a matter of fact, Muslims opting for Umrah packages with flights are also allowed to offer the holy rituals on their tourist visas to the kingdom! However, it is only applicable to the eligible countries’ residents.
Here's everything you need to know about the Saudi Tourist Visa 2023.
What is a Saudi Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Tourist Visa can be defined as an entry authorization document and/or permit that allows foreign travelers to be granted entry into Saudia Arabia for non-essential and non-religious purposes.
Validity
The Saudi Tourist Visa remains valid for one year. There’s also a multiple-entry electronic tourist that allows tourists to stay up to 90 days in the country.
What does a Saudi Tourist visa cover?
The Saudi Tourist Visa 2023 covers all sorts of tourism-related activities as well as Umrah (except for the Hajj season).
Eligibility
• The people eligible for Saudi e-visas are from a list of 49 countries specified on the official website.
• The minimum age for the applicant to apply for a tourist visa is 18 years.
• If your country’s name is not on the list of approved regions for a tourist visa, you can contact your local Saudi Arabia Embassy and request a visa there.
Tourist visa on arrival
Saudi Tourist visa is also available for residents of the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union on a visa on arrival basis.
Types of Saudi Tourist Visa
There are different types of Saudi tourist visas available for travelers. Prominently including;
1. Single entry tourist visa.
2. Multiple entry tourist visa.
3. Electronic tourist visas.
Note that the type of visa required for your travel would be determined by your travel purpose and duration in the kingdom.
How to apply?
You can apply for a Saudi Tourist visa online on the Saudi tourism website. Alternatively, you can also hire the professional services of an authorized travel agency to do the arrangements for you.
You will need to provide personal and travel information along with your passport and the latest passport-sized photograph primarily.
Visa Fee
The actual cost of the Saudi tourist visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for as well as the length of your stay in the kingdom. However, the average fee for a tourist visa is;
• 40 GBP for a single-entry visa allowing a 30-day stay.
• 402 GBP for a multiple entry visa allowing a 180-day stay.
Travel Restrictions
All tourists are advised to be mindful of the legal rules and regulations practiced in Saudia Arabia. Prominently including the ones regarding;
• Dress codes.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Photography.
• Health and safety.
• Borders.
Umrah on a tourist visa
Tourists can travel to any region within Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. However, entry to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is prohibited for non-Muslims. Believers, on the other hand, are permitted to offer Umrah rituals on their tourist visas as well.
So, these are the necessary things to know about the Saudi Tourist Visa 2023.