Cairo: Citizens of six other countries have to make an electronic stopover in Saudi Arabia’s visa system, bringing to 63 the total number of countries whose citizens can benefit from the agreement, according to the kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism.
The six are: Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Other travelers eligible to apply for this type of visa come with citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, EU countries, and visa holders for the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, and citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The visa allows its holder to travel to Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah or a small pilgrimage to Mecca, but not perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The ministry said the expansion of the visa scale formula is part of Saudi efforts to cement the kingdom’s openness and economic growth and diversity.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced a number of amenities as the kingdom looks to attract more foreign visitors and tourists.
These come with the issuance of tourist visas on arrival or online for citizens of nationalities under a formula introduced in September 2019.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia introduced a four-day transit visa, which allows its holder to perform Umrah, the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in Medina, and attend other events across the kingdom.
The loose transit visa is issued with the passenger’s ticket.
Passengers can apply for a transit visa on the electronic platforms of Saudi national airlines, Saudia Airlines and Flynas.
A virtual visa will be issued without delay and sent to the beneficiary’s email.
Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 25 million foreign tourists in 2023 as part of efforts to diversify its economy and tourism industry.
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