Pakistanis holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas are now eligible for a “Visa on Arrival” in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step by the Saudi government to boost tourism.
New Visa Policy Highlights
Saudi Arabia, traditionally known for its Hajj and Umrah visas for religious purposes, is now opening its doors to leisure tourism. This policy change aims to enhance tourism in the Kingdom, which is already a major attraction in the Middle East due to its holy sites in Makkah and Medina.
Visa on Arrival for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani passport holders with valid UK, US, or Schengen visas can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. This visa is available for both commercial and tourism purposes, provided the visitor has previously traveled using their UK, US, or Schengen visa.
Key Details:
- Visa Duration: The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
- Conditions:
- The visa must be valid at the time of arrival and remain valid throughout the stay.
- The passport must have been previously stamped with an entry visa from the country that issued the visa.
Umrah and Travel Flexibility
Visitors on a Visa on Arrival can perform Umrah and travel freely within Saudi Arabia without restrictions on movement.
Visa Fees
A fee of $120 or 450 Saudi Riyals will be charged at the airport for the Visa on Arrival.
E-Visa Facility
Currently, Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for Saudi Arabia’s e-visa facility. This facility is available to 49 other countries. The e-visa policy, introduced on September 27, 2019, allows tourists to stay for up to three months per entry, with multiple entries permitted within a one-year validity period.
Recent Developments
A circular issued on December 4, 2019, instructed national carriers to accept travelers with Schengen and US visas, provided they meet the established conditions. Since the introduction of the tourist visa, the Kingdom has seen significant interest, with visitors from China, the UK, and the US leading the numbers.
This new visa policy represents a notable shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to tourism, reflecting its broader goals of increasing international visitor numbers and diversifying its economy.