Authorities in Saudi Arabia have unfolded their new tourist visa scheme to attract residents from the United Kingdom, the United States, the Schengen zone, European Union, and Gulf countries.
The announcement has been confirmed by the Tourism Minister of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, while he stressed that such changes had been introduced in order to increase the number of internationals in the country, VisaGuide.World reports.
The new rules mean that travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE can also benefit from the recent scheme.
In addition, it has also been confirmed that holders of valid tourist or business visas to the Schengen or United Kingdom are allowed to apply for a visa on arrival if the other visa has been used at least one time to enter the issuing country.
“Elevating the visitor experience is at the heart of the tourism sector’s future. Through harnessing digital innovation and streamlining the traveler’s journey, Saudi Arabia is welcoming more and more visitors,” Tourism Minister Al Khateeb stressed, as reported by the National.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed that they would reinstate visas on arrival for holders of valid visas for the UK, Schengen and US.
The decision that was confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister in an announcement to the State News Agency was taken following the country’s decision to lift the majority of the restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus.
“Reinstating the visa-on-arrival programme 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. Furthermore, this decision by the government will further support the many thousands of people who depend on tourism for their livelihoods while welcoming the world back to the destination with the warm hospitality for which the Saudi people are renowned,” Al-Khateeb stressed.
As for the decision taken to further facilitate the travel process for arrivals from the EU, Schengen and UK travelers, Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister stressed that it is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, considering it an important step in developing a sustainable tourism sector.
The government of Saudi Arabia is continuously attempting to facilitate the entry rules for internationals after keeping in place strict entry rules imposed due to Coronavirus.