Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has broadened its e-visa offerings to now include nationals from three additional countries, in a move aimed at bolstering the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
As per the announcement made on Wednesday, nationals of Barbados, the Commonwealth of Bahamas, and Grenada can now conveniently apply for a visitor visa electronically or upon arrival at any of the Kingdom’s ports.
This expansion marks a significant step, increasing the accessibility of tourist e-visas to Saudi Arabia for nationals from more than 60 nations. The visa type permits visitors to engage in tourism activities, participate in business events, visit friends and relatives in the Kingdom, and also perform Umrah.
However, the ministry emphasized that individuals holding this visa type are restricted from working for a wage or performing Umrah during the Hajj season.
The introduction of the visit visa in September 2019 was part of a broader initiative to highlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourist offerings, immerse visitors in cultural experiences, and foster international engagement, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
This decision aligns with the goals and aspirations outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the tourism industry’s contribution to the GDP beyond 10 percent and generate one million jobs.
Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Khateeb revealed ambitions to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, surpassing the previous target of 100 million, with 70 million of those tourists expected to arrive from abroad, a notable increase from the previous goal of 30 million.