Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia expanded its tourism visa scheme to cover all GCC residents.

The Saudi Tourism Ministry announced on Thursday that any resident of the GCC countries is eligible to apply for a tourist visa to the Kingdom, regardless of their profession.

The ministry invited those who want to visit the Kingdom from GCC countries to apply for tourism visa online through the link visitsaudi.com/visa

The ministry previously announced amendments to the list of visit visas for tourism issued by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The amendments included expanding the eligible categories and providing more options for those wishing to visit the Kingdom for tourism.

The move to allow those wishing to enter the Kingdom, without limiting this to specific professions, comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to provide an opportunity for all residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to visit various tourist destinations, attend entertainment events, and get closely acquainted with the heritage and historical depth of the Kingdom.

The ministry stated that all residents of GCC countries have become eligible to enter the Kingdom with an electronic tourist visa, by applying through the “VisitSaudi” platform, provided that their residence permit is valid for a period of not less than three months. This applies to relatives accompanying the residence visa holder as wellas domestic workers coming with their employers.

The tourist visa regulations issued by the ministry stipulates that tourists must comply with the regulations and instructions while they are in the Kingdom, such as carrying identification documents at all times. The ministry also noted that the tourist visa does not allow the performance of Hajj, nor Umrah during the Hajj season.