Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Arabia opened its doors to foreign tourists in September 2019, and it is now a secure Middle Eastern destination. Before then, the country was only open to business travelers, expatriates, and Muslims visiting Mecca & Medina for the hajj and umrah pilgrimages. Therefore, Saudi Arabia is a completely unexplored country for Western travelers. Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
New Travel Visa Rules
From September 1, 2022, travelers from the US, EU, and the UK can get a visa on arrival that is valid for 12 months, allows for multiple entries, and has a 90-day maximum stay for each visit.
With the recent easing of visa requirements, visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now quicker and simpler. Per the Saudi government’s Twitter account, the modified requirements would increase “opportunities for potential travelers through a simplified visitor journey.”
According to Saudi Arabia’s economic plan, Vision 2030, the updated visa rules are the most recent step the country has made toward diversifying its economy and becoming less dependent on oil in the future. The government plans to invest $1 trillion over the following ten years to strengthen its tourism industry and increase the allure of the country as a destination for leisure travel.
The visas on arrival will cost 300 Saudi riyals. There’s also a health insurance fee, 140 Saudi riyals total of about $123 US dollars, although at this point it’s unclear what that includes.
Non-Muslim tourists will still not be allowed to visit the holy city of Mecca, however, can visit Medina right up to the perimeter. Although travelers may instead consider other cities like Jeddah, a port city on the Red Sea; Riyadh the heart of Saudi Arabia, Dammam the hub of trade & commerce, and Abha one of the most scenic cities.
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Why Visit Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a mysterious nation. It is well-known throughout most of the world as an important oil producer or as a destination for Muslim pilgrims. The country offers a wealth of attractions, including traditional marketplaces, oases, marine reserves, and historic cities. Discover the 10,000+-year-old archaeological sites and rock inscriptions.
Today, Saudi Arabia is a proud home of several heritage sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Saudi Arabia offers a unique experience in each season of the year. All of these thrilling experiences, as well as more, are waiting for you in a country that is ranked third in the world for safety, whether you decide to hike to the top of the highest mountain in the world, which is 3000 meters above sea level, dive into the Red Sea’s magical wonders of corals and marine life, or cross the largest palm oasis in the world, which has more than 2.5 million palm trees.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an extremely dry country and rainfall is minimal. In summer, the country experiences blistering heat and humid temperatures that make it uncomfortable to travel around. People, therefore, must avoid the span between April and October. The best span to visit Saudi Arabia is from November to March. This is the time when the weather is mild and the temperature remains average.