Keep Your To-Do List Ready – Saudi Arabia Opens Up for Tourists

 

A historical moment has been written as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens up for international tourists. Saudi Arabia has launched the much awaited Visit Visa for 49 countries.

Ahmad Al-Khatib, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) stated that Saudi Arabia would start issuing tourist visa from Saturday, Sept. 28. The electronic tourist visa will be issued within a record time of seven minutes, and the beneficiaries of the visa include tourists from 49 countries.”

The Riyadh Season 2022 is ready with all its glory, and you shouldn’t miss the Riyadh Season events during your Saudi Arabia visit. Wondering where to get Riyadh Season tickets? Check out our website for that and to know more about the season.

A video from Saudi tourism has showcased the Kingdom’s incredibly diverse landscape. The video showcases the lush green mountains, the incredible deserts, the colorful marine life, and the country’s extensive landscape.

                              

 

Here’s the list of 49 countries whose residents will be eligible to apply for e-visas and visas on arrival:

 

USA

Canada

Kazakhstan

Singapore

Brunei

New Zealand

South Korea

Japan

Spain

Belgium

Malaysia

Austria

Cyprus

UK

Croatia

Estonia

Andorra

Denmark

Germany

Bulgaria

France

Hungary

Czech Republic

Holland

Italy

Finland

Ireland

Lithuania

Greece

Liechtenstein

Monaco

Iceland

Malta

Poland

Latvia

Norway

Russia

Luxembourg

Romania

Slovenia

Montenegro

Slovakia

Switzerland

Portugal

Sweden

Australia

San Marino

Ukraine

China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan

 

  Saudi Visitor Visa or Saudi Tourist Visa – Complete Details

 

How to apply for the Saudi Visitor Visa?

• Go to ww.visitsaudi.com to apply for an e-visa
• You can contact your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate too.

Documents Required for Saudi Visitor Visa

For E-Visa and Visa on Arrival

• Passport, with a validity for more than 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
• Address of accommodation
• Hard copy of the visa, although a soft copy is advised

For Consulate-approved visa

• Passport, with a validity for more than 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket
• Proof of employment
• Bank statement
• Supporting information includes: ID, home address, travel itinerary

Saudi Visitor Visa Processing time

E-visa: Time taken to issue an e-visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.

At a Consulate: 1-2 business days in most cases.

The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, during which you can stay for up to three months per entry.

How long is the Saudi Tourist visa valid for?

A single entry visa allows you to stay for one month in Saudi Arabia.

What happens if you overstay?

Overstay fees is SAR 100 for each day of overstay.

How much do you need to pay?

The cost of applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival is 440 riyals (around $117) plus VAT.

Reaching Saudi Arabia

There are 13 international airports and 15 domestic airports in the Kingdom. The international airports are:

1. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh

2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah

3. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam

4. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Madinah

5. Taif International Airport (TIF) – Taif

6. Abha International Airport (AHB) – Abha

7. Hail International Airport (HAS) – Ha’il

8. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz InternationalAirport (GIZ) – Gazan

9. Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) – Qassim

10. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) – Tabuk

11. Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) –Yanbu

12. Al-Jouf International Airport (AJF) – Jouf

13. Al-Ahsa International Airport (HOF) – Al Ahsa

 

Important Numbers

Police: 999

Saudi Ambulance: 997

Civil Defense: 998

For traffic accidents: 993

Highway Patrol: 996

Border Guard: 994

Tourism Call Center: 19988

Tourism International Call Center: 00966112614750

Najm Company: 920000560

Passports: 992

Saudi Public Security: 989

General enquiries: 905

Emergency medical consultation: 937

Municipalities: 940

Ministry of Transport emergency: 938

 

We are all excited and have got you the list of must-visit places. Plan your next trip to Saudi Arabia, and we are sure you would feel amazed by the country’s myriad of colors.

10 Must Visit Places in Saudi Arabia

Jubbah Rock Carvings

The Kingdom’s premier pre-Islamic site and open-air art gallery covers a vast area and houses some of the most impressive petroglyphs (rock carvings) you are likely to see ever. The most exquisite carvings date back to 5,500 BC. The elegant rock-cut ibex, oryx, and camels abound, as well as significant Thamudic inscriptions will make you awestruck.

The site is at the northwestern edge of the city of Jubbah and is 100km northwest of Hail. You can plan a day trip by car.

Pearl Merchants’ Neighbourhood

This is a must-visit historic site in the Farasan Islands. The neighborhood has houses of the former Pearl merchants. Adorned with intrinsic floral design and geometry, the whole area looks like it had been made for Instagram.

Masmak Fortress

Surrounded by sand, this fort looks straight out of historical movies with its rustic charm and aura. It was built around 1865. The history is that this is the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, during which a spear was hurled at the main entrance door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway.

Don’t miss the fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia, dating from 1912 to 1937.

Al Habala

Village in Asir National Park

This mysterious and hanging village is a wonder of Saudi Arabia. The series of sandstone houses that hang from local rock perches on a ledge 400m down a sheer cliff was accessible only by habal (rope ladders) in the past. Access to the village is by a cable car which is operational only during the summer season (May to October). The rest of the year, you can visit the nearby viewpoint to admire this fantastic human-made wonder from afar.

The village is 55 km from Abha.

Wahba Crater, Hejaz

This wonder was created by an underground volcanic explosion. Located in the middle of the desert lake and the palm plantations make for a fantastic view. There are picnic spots all around, and also there is a hidden hiking trail that leads to the bottom.

Madain Saleh

The picturesque nature and rich history make it a must-visit destination. The nearby town of Al-Ula boasts a beautiful oasis, museums, an old mud village and ruins and tombs of Khuraibah.

Empty Quarter

The Rub’ al Khali is also known as Empty Quarter & it is the largest sand desert in the world. You can explore the desert either on a camel or a 4×4 SUV.

Edge of the World

These dramatic towering cliffs rise dramatically in the middle of a barren desert. The Edge of the World or Jebel Fihrayn is in the rocky desert northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The place earned its nickname because from atop the mountain, you get an uninterrupted view of the horizon.

Taif

Located east of the holy city of Mecca, Ta’if is Saudi Arabia’s summer capital. It’s also the seasonal residence for the royalty of Saudi Arabia. The fantastic climate, serene atmosphere, and the beautiful views make it a perfect holiday destination for relaxation.

Shubra Palace Al Rudaf Park, Okaz Souk, Turkish Fort are some of the must-visit places. Don’t forget to taste and pack some local roses, grapes, figs, and honey. They are the local favorites.

Qassim or Gassim

Situated west of capital city Riyadh, the trip to Gassim is more scenic as you pass through dunes, camels and date palm grooves.

Must visit are the Museum of Buraydah, fresh fruit trial in Unayzah, historic Dumat al Jandal, and the dusty desert city of Al Diriyah.

Exclusive offer for Saudi Arabia

Book any flight and get flat 60 SAR Off. Use code: GOREHLAT.

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