The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has announced the issuance of tourist visas to all foreigners with valid iqama holders residing in the GCC. Foreigners belonging to any profession will be eligible to apply for issuance of electronic visa.
According to Sabak News, foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council countries on Iqama regardless of their profession will be eligible to enter the country on tourist visas. Muslim tourists coming on tourist visa will also be allowed to pay Umrah.
Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism had said in this regard that a strategy is being formulated to expand the scope of the tourist visa of the state, which will be announced. Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khaitib has approved the rules regarding tourist visas.
In this regard, the ministry has further said that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can apply for a visit visa to Saudi Arabia through the ministry's portal 'Spirit of Saudi Arabia'.
In the conditions issued by the Ministry regarding tourist visas, it is further stated that for tourist visas it is mandatory that the foreigner applicant residing in the GCC is valid for at least 3 months.
Tourist visas can be issued to employees accompanying first degree relatives and sponsors accompanying the main applicant.
In the prescribed rules for those who come on tourist visas, it is said that those coming on tourist visas in the country should respect the local laws in this regard, it will be necessary for them to carry identification documents with them.
Visitors on tourist visas will not be allowed to perform Hajj nor will they be able to visit Makkah to perform Umrah during the Hajj season.