Saudi Arabia allows tourist e-visas to GCC residents, visa holders from US, UK, Schengen countries

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Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced today, Sept. 1, new regulations to provide GCC residents with the option to apply for an e-visa online and allows residents of the UK, US and the European Union (EU) to apply for a visa on arrival.
 
Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the UK, the US or the Schengen agreement countries will continue to apply for a visa on arrival, provided that it has been used at least once to enter the country granting the visa.
 
This also covers the first-degree relatives arriving with visa holders, through a visa on arrival at any land, air or sea port in the Kingdom.
 
This came in a ministry statement, which includes further amendments that extend Saudi Arabia’s visa and arrival scheme to permanent residents of the UK, the US and EU.
 
Based on the amended regulations, tourism visas will be granted to residents in the GCC countries through e-visa services, provided that the resident shall have a valid residency in a GCC country for at least three months.
 
The ministry stressed that tourist should comply with the applicable rules and instructions, and provide an identity at all times, noting that this type of visa does not allow its holder to perform Umrah or Hajj.