All GCC residents are now eligible for a Saudi Tourist Visa, regardless of their profession

6 April 2023 - The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia recently expanded the eligibility criteria for Saudi e-Visas to include all residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, enabling them to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism or Umrah. Previously, only GCC residents with certain professions or nationals of particular countries were able to obtain an e-Visa through the online portal. However, now all GCC residents can apply, irrespective of their occupation.

To qualify for an e-Visa, the GCC resident must be at least 18 years old (if traveling with children under 18, the parents must apply first), possess a valid GCC residence permit for a minimum of three months, and meet other standard requirements. The family members and domestic workers of GCC residence visa holders can also benefit from this policy.

While in the Kingdom, visitors are required to comply with all regulations and instructions, such as carrying identification documents at all times. It is important to note that e-Visas do not permit the performance of Hajj, nor Umrah during the Hajj season.

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Deloitte’s view

As part of its efforts to promote tourism and cultural exchange, the Ministry has decided to lift restrictions on certain professions for residents of GCC countries. This decision will enable more people to visit the Kingdom's tourist destinations, participate in entertainment events, and delve into its rich cultural, historical and heritage offerings. Consequently, this move is expected to boost tourism from GCC countries and increase the number of visitors to the Kingdom.