Effective immediately, Saudi Arabia expanded the eligibility of the Electronic Visa (e-visa) for tourism to nationals of the following eight countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The e-visa can be used 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. 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. These foreign nationals can also 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. This expansion of the e-visa for tourism follows an announcement earlier this year expanding the eligibility of the e-visa for tourism to certain United Kingdom, United States, European Union and Schengen Visa holders and permanent residents.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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