Saudi Reopened Visa-On-Arrival Program

The Saudi government has reopened the visa-on-arrival program, allowing British people to apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport.

The action comes two weeks after Saudi Arabia abolished all Covid-related entry restrictions, restoring the country’s openness to pre-pandemic levels.

Regardless of the airline, they are flying with, British residents can obtain a 12-month tourism visa upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Visitors will also need to obtain Covid-19 insurance, which can be purchased at any international airport in Saudi Arabia.

Tourism Minister and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said: “Restoring the visa-on-arrival programme 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.

“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.”

Saudi Arabia said on 6th March that all Covid travel restrictions have been lifted, and travelers no longer need to show proof of immunization or a PCR test to enter.

Only in confined public spaces are masks required.

The e-visa service was launched in 2019 as the monarchy opened its doors to international leisure travelers in September of that year — less than six months before the Kingdom shuttered its borders.

Al Khateeb went on to say: “Saudi has emerged from the pandemic with a burgeoning leisure and entertainment sector that includes some of the largest events in the world as well as a compelling cultural tourism offer and an increasing number of local companies dedicated to tourism.”