Saudi Tourism Authority welcomes the Ministry of Tourism’s decision to allow residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi.
Further extension of the new regulations will additionally enable residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a Visa on Arrival. Visitors will be able to enjoy and explore Saudi’s many unique tourist destinations, its stunning diversity of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people.
The new eVisa announcement and the extension of the visa on arrival is a solid step forward in making it even easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Saudi. With an extensive variety of packages and a full calendar of events taking place throughout the year, Saudi is creating exciting opportunities for travelers to experience the authentic home of Arabia.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement; it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector. We welcome our neighbors, and the world, to experience the authentic home of Arabia.”
UK, US, and EU residents who hold an eligible passport can now get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa on the official website ‘Visit Saudi’ and view all the requirements and procedures on the site. Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries.
About Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s offering through programs, packages, and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries.
Top 5 Evergreen Activities in Saudi:
- Red Sea diving and snorkelling: Saudi’s underwater world boasts more than 1,200 species of fish. Among its most exciting diving destinations are Sharm Obhur, Abu Tair, Abu Faramish, Jebel Al Lith, and Yanbu.
- Visiting AIUla’s heritage: Home to the first Saudi UNESCO World Heritage site, Hegra, visitors can experience ancient tombs that remain from 7,000 years of human civilization, impressive rock formations and natural canyons, a plethora of adventure sports options, and state-of-the-art art facilities. The desert landscape also offers hiking activities such as the Heritage Oasis Trail among date palms, adobe houses, local farms, and ancient walls.
- Moon Valley Hiking & stargazing: The Valley of the Moon is an hour’s drive north of Jeddah and is an exciting destination, especially for campers. The valley lies within an impressive park where exotic rock formations have formed over millions of years. The area is also ideal for stargazing at night.
- Tour Al Balad in historic Jeddah: The historic centre of Jeddah is famous for its architecture with colourful houses built with coral from the depths of the Red Sea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the neighbourhood offers an immersion into pre-Islamic times and 400 years of historical antiquity.
Top 5 Upcoming Events:
- Riyadh Season: From October to March, Riyadh Season, a city-wide lifestyle festival featuring concerts, performances and experiences, is held in various areas of the capital. As part of this, the MDL Beast festival is also hosted as the largest music and cultural festival in the Middle East, from December 1-3.
- Winter at Tantora: There is no better time to visit AIUla than during the winter at Tantora, an arts and cultural festival that is part of AlUla Moments. Held at different heritage sites around AlUla, the festival is a 4-week celebration of performances, activities, and experiences.
- Red Sea Film Festival: The second edition of the exciting Red Sea Film Festival will be taking place in Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage old town, Al Balad, from 1-10 December.
- Saudi Feast Food Festival: Organized by the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, this tasty festival celebrates the rich Saudi gastronomic heritage of the Red Sea regions of Tabuk, Medina, Mecca, Jazan, and Aseer.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: Thanks to its geographical proximity to Saudi, attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup has never been easier. The world’s most famous soccer event will take place in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 and is just a shuttle flight away.
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