The Saudi Arabian government has reopened the visa-on-arrival program for holders of valid visas for the US, UK, and Schengen area, effective immediately, according to a report in the official Saudi Press Agency on Friday, March 25.
The move comes two weeks after the country lifted all Covid-19-related entry restrictions, said the report.
This effectively returns Saudi Arabia to pre-pandemic levels of openness.
Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers — Saudia, Flynas or Flyadeal — can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance.
Visitors holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa must have used it at least once to enter the issuing country or region in order to qualify for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Visitors will also need to purchase Covid-19 insurance, which they can do at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports, said the SPA report.
Citizens of any country eligible for the e-visa program, which was introduced in 2019, may also receive a visa on arrival regardless of the airline they are travelling with, the report added.
“Restoring the visa-on-arrival program 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,” said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
“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,” said Al-Khateeb, who is also and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Saudi Arabia on March 6 announced the lifting of all travel restrictions put in place to protect people from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test to enter the country.
The red list of countries not allowed entry has been discontinued.
Institutional quarantine requirements have been entirely removed, and social distancing rules have been lifted.
Masks are required in enclosed public places only.