Saudi Arabia Reopens Visa on Arrival for US, UK & Schengen Visa Holders
The authorities of Saudi Arabia have announced that all persons who hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa can receive a 12-month visa on arrival upon entering the kingdom.
This means that all individuals who have a valid US, UK, and Schengen visa can now receive a tourism visa upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Nonetheless, the authorities of Saudi Arabia have emphasised that holders of the visa must have entered the issuing country first before entering Saudi Arabia in order to be eligible for the visa on arrival scheme.
The visa on arrival for holders of American and European visas allows citizens of third countries to enter Saudi Arabia more easily since they have already been approved for travel to the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union.
The Saudi Arabian government lifted all COVID-related entry restrictions in March. Visitors will no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test to enter the country and they no longer need to quarantine.
However, all travellers are required to register their details using the online arrival registration form and mandatory health declaration form which needs to be done prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for Visa on Arrival
Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers – Saudi, Flynas or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance.
Visitors holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa must have used it at least once to enter the issuing country or region in order to qualify for a visa on arrival in Saudi.
Visitors will also need to purchase COVID-19 insurance, which they can do at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
Citizens of any country eligible for the e-visa program, which was introduced in 2019, may also receive a visa on arrival, regardless of the airline they are travelling with.
“Restoring the visa-on-arrival program marks the final step in returning Saudi to a pre-pandemic level of openness and makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the world for leisure, business, and religious travel.”
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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2 Responses
Hi,
I’m an Indian, residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on a work visa. My daughter is studying at one of the universities in London and she is holding Indian passport. I want her to pay a visit to Jeddah during the Christmas holidays. Her flights are booked with Gulf Air.
I need your expert advice related to the below condition:
“Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers – Saudi, Flynas or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance.
I heard that this condition has been changed by the Saudi Authorities. Is it true? Can she come to Saudi using boarding Gulf Air?
Please advise.
This is possible through Saudia, Flynas or Flyadeal. But since then; U.S., U.K. or Schengen Visa Holders can qualify for visa on arrival if the below conditions are met:
Your visa must be a business or tourist visa.
Your visa must have been used at least once and have an entry stamp from the issuing country (Digital entry stamp are not accepted).
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Saudi.
Once you arrive at your destination’s airport or entry point in Saudi, use the self-service devices (KIOSK) or go directly to the passport control office to apply for your visa on arrival.