Saudi Arabia: E-Visa for Tourism Expanded to Six New Countries’ Nationals

Nationals from Mauritius, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Thailand, and Türkiye are now eligible for Saudi e-visas for tourism-related activities, visiting with friends and relatives, and performing Umrah. Eligible individuals can apply for the e-visa for tourism through the official e-visa portal and the visa is issued in as little as 30 minutes.  Previously individuals from these countries could only apply for consular visas. These foreign nationals can also now apply for a visa-on-arrival for tourism at a port of entry; however, they are advised to apply for the e-visa in advance as the visa-on-arrival can involve a lengthy process on arrival. The e-visa is multiple-entry and permits stays of up to 90 cumulative days per year. The cost of the e-visa will vary depending on nationality.  Saudi Arabia launched its online visa platform in 2019 in order to increase international tourism by allowing foreign nationals of 49 countries to obtain tourism e-visas. This program has since been incrementally expanded.