Saudi Arabia removed another coronavirus-related travel measure today.
Holders of visas for the United States, the United Kingdom and the Schengen area in Europe can receive a 12-month visa on arrival upon entering the kingdom. The measure applies to travelers flying to Saudi Arabia via one of its national airlines — Saudia, Flynas or Flyadeal — the official Saudi Press Agency reported. This rule had been suspended until today due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Restoring the visa-on-arrival program marks the final step in returning Saudi Arabia to a pre-pandemic level of openness and makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the world for leisure, business and religious travel,” said Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb.
Why it matters: In 2019, Saudi Arabia eased its entry requirements significantly with the purpose of making the kingdom as easily accessible as other tourist spots in the region, such as Dubai. Saudi authorities allowed citizens of the United States, the European Union, China, Japan and other economic powers to enter without a visa.
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