Saudi Arabia launches a unified platform for visas

Today, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the launch of a unified visa platform called "Saudi Visa" with the aim of facilitating visa application procedures, as part of its endeavor to attract more tourists in the coming years, according to Al-Sharq Saudi Arabia.

Various types of visas

Assistant Foreign Minister for Executive Affairs Abdul Hadi Al-Mansouri said in his speech before the Digital Government Forum held in Riyadh, that this platform is linked to more than 30 agencies, ministries and private sectors, to facilitate procedures for obtaining various types of visas, including the Hajj visa, or the visit for the purpose of Umrah, or Tourism or work, as well as empowering more than 50 government agencies and the private sector through the government visa.

Saudi Arabia launches a unified platform for visas

The Saudi move comes within the framework of its endeavor to increase the number of tourists, especially after launching many new tourist destinations, and raising its tourism target to 150 million visits annually by 2030.

The launch of the new Saudi platform coincides with Gulf efforts to launch a unified tourist visa, after the decision was approved by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at the Doha summit last month, and authorized the interior ministers to take the necessary measures to implement this visa.

It is noteworthy that the forum will witness the announcement of the results of measuring digital transformation in 2023. The Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Ahmed bin Muhammad Al-Suwayyan, previously stated that in light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; “We are working to continue the digital transformation journey, by enabling all government agencies to raise the efficiency of digital services that contribute to improving the experience of beneficiaries, developing quality of life, and increasing competitiveness.”

In June, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced new facilities to enable holders of visit visas to the United Kingdom and the United States, Schengen visas, and holders of permanent residency in one of the European Union countries, the United Kingdom, or the United States, who wish to visit Saudi Arabia, to obtain an immediate electronic visa from... Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Entry procedures into Saudi Arabia

This step comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to facilitate entry procedures into Saudi Arabia and provide the opportunity for those wishing to enjoy tourist destinations, participate in tourism events, and learn closely about the heritage and historical depth of the Kingdom.

Visa list

The amended visa regulations granted an exception to those holding a valid tourist or commercial visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or one of the Schengen Agreement countries, provided that it has been activated, by entering the country granting the visa at least once.

This exception includes the first-degree relatives of the visa holder arriving with him, in addition to those who have permanent residency in the United States of America, the European Union countries, or the United Kingdom, including the first-degree relatives of the visa holder arriving with him, through a visa. Upon arrival at any of the Kingdom’s land, sea or air ports.

The amended tourist visa regulations stressed that tourists, while in the Kingdom, must comply with the applicable regulations and instructions, including carrying identity documents at all times, drawing attention to the fact that the tourist visa does not allow the performance of Hajj, nor does it allow the performance of Umrah during the Hajj season.

The Ministry invited those wishing to obtain more details about the tourist visa regulations, and to know the list of countries whose nationalities can apply for a visa, to visit the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.