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Saudi Arabia E-Visa expands to Schengen Visa holders and permanent residents

 Saturday, July 8, 2023

Effective immediately, the Ministry of Tourism expanded the eligibility for e-visas for tourism to individuals holding a valid business or tourist visa issued by the United Kingdom, United States, or Schengen Area countries; permanent residents of the United Kingdom, United States or European Union; and their first-degree relatives.

Previously, these individuals could only obtain a visa-on-arrival.

Eligible individuals must have a passport valid for at least six months from their intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia and can obtain the e-visa by applying through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unified visa platform.

If their eligibility is based on holding a valid business or tourist visa, they must have used the visa at least once to enter the issuing country.

Foreign nationals must pay a fee of SAR 300 (USD 81) for the e-visa (the same fee as for a visa-on-arrival) and pay a fee for mandatory health insurance.

The e-visa is valid for one year with a maximum of a 90-day stay (each time) and grants multiple entries into Saudi Arabia.

The e-visa will streamline the entry process for eligible individuals as they will not have to wait in line to obtain a visa-on-arrival upon entry to Saudi Arabia.