Saudi Arabia Eases Visa Rules for Citizens of Four Countries

Saudi Arabia has simplified its visa procedures for citizens of four countries, allowing them to obtain instant e-visas online without visiting an embassy. Travellers can also obtain visas upon arrival in the kingdom.

According to a report by Arab News, the new facility applies to citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism jointly announced the decision on Saturday.

Under the new rules, citizens of the four countries can apply online for tourist visas that allow multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. They can also obtain visas upon arrival at any of the kingdom’s entry points.

The tourist visa will allow visitors to perform Umrah, attend various events, exhibitions and conferences, and visit relatives and friends living in Saudi Arabia.

Mexico’s Chargé d’Affaires in Saudi Arabia, Guillermo Gutierrez, said the new facility would help expand cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, education, culture, aviation and technology. He also expected the simplified visa process to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Meanwhile, Serbian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dragan Bisenić welcomed the decision, saying it would make travel and Umrah pilgrimage easier for Serbian citizens while further strengthening bilateral relations.

However, the new visa scheme comes with certain restrictions.

Visitors must leave Saudi Arabia within the validity period specified on their visas. Visa extensions will not be permitted.

For multiple-entry visas, the permitted duration of stay will be calculated either for each visit or cumulatively across all visits, depending on the applicable visa conditions.

The visa does not permit holders to undertake employment or engage in any paid work in Saudi Arabia.

Although the visa allows Umrah, it cannot be used to perform the pilgrimage during the designated Hajj season.