Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has now made available tourist visas for citizens from up to 49 countries.
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For the first time, tourists can now apply for a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates across the world.
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Here’s a guide to getting there, what to expect, and important points to keep in mind.
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(Saudi Arabia’s national currency is the Saudi riyal. Each riyal is equal to 100 halala.)
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Who can apply for the Saudi visa?
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Citizens from the following 49 countries will be eligible to apply for e-visas and visas on arrival:
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USA
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Canada
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Kazakhstan
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Singapore
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Brunei
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New Zealand
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South Korea
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Japan
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Spain
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Belgium
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Malaysia
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Austria
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Cyprus
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UK
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Croatia
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Estonia
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Andorra
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Denmark
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Germany
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Bulgaria
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France
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Hungary
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Czech Republic
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Holland
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Italy
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Finland
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Ireland
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Lithuania
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Greece
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Liechtenstein
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Monaco
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Iceland
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Malta
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Poland
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Latvia
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Norway
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Russia
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Luxembourg
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Romania
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Slovenia
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Montenegro
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Slovakia
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Switzerland
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Portugal
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Sweden
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Australia
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San Marino
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Ukraine
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China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
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How can you apply for the visa?
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Go to visitsaudi.com to apply for an e-visa; alternatively, contact your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
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What documents do you need?
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For E-Visa and Visa on Arrival
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For Consulate-approved visa
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Processing time
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E-visa: Time taken to issue an e-visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
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At a Consulate: 1-2 business days in most cases.
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How long is the visa valid for?
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The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, during which you can stay for up to three months per entry.
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A single entry visa allows you to stay for one month in Saudi Arabia.
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What happens if you overstay?
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Overstay fees is SAR 100 for each day of overstay.
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How much do you need to pay?
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The cost of applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival is 440 riyals (around $117) plus VAT.
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Getting there
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There are 13 international airports and 15 domestic airports in the Kingdom. The international airports are:
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1. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh
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2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah
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3. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam
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4. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Madinah
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5. Taif International Airport (TIF) – Taif
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6. Abha International Airport (AHB) – Abha
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7. Hail International Airport (HAS) – Ha’il
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8. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz InternationalAirport (GIZ) – Gazan
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9. Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) – Qassim
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10. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (TUU) – Tabuk
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11. Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (YNB) –Yanbu
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12. Al-Jouf International Airport (AJF) – Jouf
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13. Al-Ahsa International Airport (HOF) – Al Ahsa
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Important numbers
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Police: 999
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Saudi Ambulance: 997
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Civil Defense: 998
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For traffic accidents: 993
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Highway Patrol: 996
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Border Guard: 994
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Tourism Call Center: 19988
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Tourism International Call Center: 00966112614750
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Najm Company: 920000560
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Passports: 992
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Saudi Public Security: 989
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General enquiries: 905
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Emergency medical consultation: 937
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Municipalities: 940
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Ministry of Transport emergency: 938
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