Nationals of 42 countries can obtain an electronic tourist visa to stay and visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This electronic visa (or e-visa) can also be used to travel to the country for an event, a visit to relatives or for Umrah. However, the document will be marked "tourism".
A tourist visa valid only for Umrah
Before 27 September 2019, the Saudi kingdom did not grant tourist visas. The only visits authorised for foreigners were business trips and religious pilgrimages. Since then, nationals of other countries have been able to visit the country after applying for and obtaining a visa.
Once authorisation has been obtained, travellers with tourist visas can visit previously unexploited heritage sites and many of the country's treasures. They can visit the whole of Saudi Arabia, with the exception of the cities of Medina and Mecca, which are open to Muslims only.
They can apply for a tourist visa at one of the Kingdom's consulates in their own country, or directly online by obtaining an e-visa, to perform the Umrah (the small Muslim pilgrimage). It is important to note, however, that Zamzam water cannot be taken back to your country of origin, so you will need to apply for an "Umrah" visa at your embassy.
Only this rite is therefore possible with an e-visa among Muslim pilgrimages.
In addition, a holder of an electronic visa for tourists will not be able to perform Umrah during the Hajj period. When it comes to the major Muslim pilgrimage, you must necessarily go through the Nusuk Hajj website.
How do I obtain a tourist visa?
The new visa for tourists heading to the Saudi kingdom is just a few clicks away. Through the Saudi Arabia electronic visa application form present on the site, the procedure is simplified. You will need to gather four items listed below and follow the instructions:
- passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- a means of payment such as a bank card
- a valid email address to which your e-visa will be issued
- a passport photograph.
You can also obtain your tourist visa by visiting the Saudi Arabian consulate in your country. Remember that this visa is valid for one year and allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.
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