Saudi Arabia has expanded eligibility for its tourism e-visas and arrival visas beyond its initial list of 49 eligible nationalities to those of other nationalities who currently hold valid tourist visas issued by the US, the UK, or the Schengen-zone countries in Europe.
This represents a smart and efficient expansion of Saudi Arabia’s visa program, essentially relying on the known heightened visa standards of US and European border agencies to help screen and expedite potential applicants for visas to visit the kingdom.
Nationals of other countries who do not have visas to visit the US, the UK, or the Schengen zone in Europe are still able to apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia at a Saudi embassy or consulate in their country of residence by presenting the required documentation.
The kingdom’s recent opening up to international tourism is part of a widely publicized effort by the country to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on revenues derived solely from the hydrocarbons industry.
