Saudi Arabia eases visa requirements for tourists this summer

13-06-25

Saudi Arabia has announced that, starting June 10, 2025, it will resume and simplify the electronic visa (e-visa) process for tourists, allowing travelers from eligible countries to obtain their entry permit entirely online, without the need to visit embassies or consulates in person. This measure marks a key step in the country's tourism strategy, aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030, which has already allocated more than one trillion dollars to economic diversification and the development of the leisure tourism sector.

In addition to improving the digital process, Saudi Arabia will also offer visas on arrival at major ports of entry for travelers who already hold valid visit visas from the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, or who are residents in those jurisdictions. These initiatives streamline travel planning and provide greater flexibility, allowing visitors to book more spontaneously and access the country with increased convenience.

This update comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has been strengthening its tourism infrastructure — with flagship projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya — and modernizing its e-visa system, which has been available to 57 nationalities since 2019. The return to easier visa procedures also coincides with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season, a time when leisure travel permits are reinstated for foreign visitors.

This summer, tourists can look forward to a calendar full of high-profile events: the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, featuring more than 2,000 players and globally competitive prize pools, and an expansive “Jeddah Season” program including concerts, circus shows, culinary experiences, and festivals like Forest Wonder and the Jeddah Shopping Festival along the Red Sea coast. Mountain regions such as Aseer offer a cool escape from the summer heat with open-air festivals, while coastal destinations like Taif and the Red Sea islands invite travelers to explore nature, history, and adventure.

The improved visa process presents a major opportunity for European travel operators, who can now design more flexible and attractive travel packages — from spontaneous getaways to immersive cultural experiences and stays at luxury resorts. The new system also boosts last-minute bookings and themed travel packages focused on architecture, sports, culture, or nature, without the previous bureaucratic hurdles.

For travelers themselves, the ease and speed of obtaining an electronic visa or securing one upon arrival mark a significant shift: it is no longer necessary to plan months in advance or rely on in-person applications. This particularly benefits spontaneous trips, last-minute leisure plans, and the growing demand from diverse travel segments — from esports fans and adventure seekers to casual pilgrims and cultural tourists.

This shift in visa policy strengthens Saudi Arabia’s image as a modern, accessible, and safe destination, enhancing its position in global tourism rankings and reinforcing its effort to attract non-religious, leisure-focused travelers. While certain cultural sensitivities and restrictions — such as the alcohol ban — remain in place, these reforms demonstrate that modernization and openness can coexist with the country's values and traditions.

The easing of requirements for obtaining an electronic visa or visa on arrival is a clear invitation to discover a country undergoing profound transformation. Saudi Arabia is making a bold move this summer to attract global travelers by offering a vibrant and diverse experience that blends technology, culture, nature, sports, and entertainment — welcoming the world with greater ease and broader horizons.

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