Saudi Arabia: E-Visa Eligibility Expanded to GCC Residents of All Professions

Effective immediately, all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents are eligible to obtain a single- or multiple-entry e-visas to Saudi Arabia for tourism or to perform Umrah activities, regardless of their profession. Further, accompanying first-degree relatives, such as parents, spouses and children of the residency holder, and domestic workers arriving with their GCC resident sponsors, are also eligible for the e-visa. The e-visa was originally only opened to individuals of 49 countries and was eventually expanded in 2021 to additional foreign nationals, including GCC residents in select occupations. GCC residents can obtain the e-visa by applying through the Visit Saudi platform if their residency permit is valid for at least three months and their passport is valid for at least six months. The e-visa costs SAR 300 (USD 80) and can only be issued after the applicant purchases health insurance valid for their entire duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.