As part of its continued efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a global tourism and business hub under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has significantly relaxed its visa policy:
✅ What’s New?
Saudi Arabia now offers Visa-On-Arrival (VoA) to travelers holding any of the following valid documents:
- A Schengen visa (tourist or business)
- A UK visa or UK residency permit
- A US visa or US residency permit
This applies regardless of the traveler’s nationality, as long as:
- The visa is still valid and unexpired
- The visa was used at least once (entry into the issuing country must have occurred before using it for Saudi entry)
✈️ Where Can You Get the Visa?
- On arrival at Saudi Arabia’s major international airports, such as:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport (Medina)
🎯 Purpose of the Policy Update
- Boost Tourism: Part of the Kingdom’s ongoing strategy to attract more international visitors, especially during summer when many global travelers move.
- Increase Religious Visits: Coincides with the reopening of Umrah pilgrimage for Muslims after the conclusion of the 2025 Hajj season.
- Facilitate Business Travel: Makes it easier for entrepreneurs and investors with Western connections to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing Saudi economy.
🧳 Who Benefits Most?
- Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans with Schengen/UK/US visas or residency now have an easier pathway into Saudi Arabia, avoiding pre-embassy visa applications.
- Diaspora travelers (e.g., Nigerians, Ghanaians, Indians) with residency in Europe or the US can now plan quick visits.
- Muslim pilgrims on long-term Western visas can easily combine business or tourism with their Umrah pilgrimage.
💡 Travel Tips
- Make sure your Schengen/UK/US visa has been used at least once.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your visa and entry stamps for verification.
- Always confirm airline requirements, as some may still ask for proof of eligibility before boarding.
