By Monalisha Mallick
● 28 Sep 19
Destinations
Middle East
A historical moment has been written as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens up for international tourists. Saudi Arabia has launched the much awaited Visit Visa for 49 countries.
Ahmad Al-Khatib, chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) stated that Saudi Arabia would start issuing tourist visa from Saturday, Sept. 28. The electronic tourist visa will be issued within a record time of seven minutes, and the beneficiaries of the visa include tourists from 49 countries.”
The Riyadh Season 2022 is ready with all its glory, and you shouldn’t miss the Riyadh Season events during your Saudi Arabia visit. Wondering where to get Riyadh Season tickets? Check out our website for that and to know more about the season.
A video from Saudi tourism has showcased the Kingdom’s incredibly diverse landscape. The video showcases the lush green mountains, the incredible deserts, the colorful marine life, and the country’s extensive landscape.
Here’s the list of 49 countries whose residents will be eligible to apply for e-visas and visas on arrival:
USA |
Canada |
Kazakhstan |
Singapore |
Brunei |
New Zealand |
South Korea |
Japan |
Spain |
Belgium |
Malaysia |
Austria |
Cyprus |
UK |
Croatia |
Estonia |
Andorra |
Denmark |
Germany |
Bulgaria |
France |
Hungary |
Czech Republic |
Holland |
Italy |
Finland |
Ireland |
Lithuania |
Greece |
Liechtenstein |
Monaco |
Iceland |
Malta |
Poland |
Latvia |
Norway |
Russia |
Luxembourg |
Romania |
Slovenia |
Montenegro |
Slovakia |
Switzerland |
Portugal |
Sweden |
Australia |
San Marino |
Ukraine |
China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan |
For E-Visa and Visa on Arrival
For Consulate-approved visa
E-visa: Time taken to issue an e-visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
At a Consulate: 1-2 business days in most cases.
The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, during which you can stay for up to three months per entry.
A single entry visa allows you to stay for one month in Saudi Arabia.
What happens if you overstay?
Overstay fees is SAR 100 for each day of overstay.
How much do you need to pay?
The cost of applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival is 440 riyals (around $117) plus VAT.
There are 13 international airports and 15 domestic airports in the Kingdom. The international airports are:
Police: 999
Saudi Ambulance: 997
Civil Defense: 998
For traffic accidents: 993
Highway Patrol: 996
Border Guard: 994
Tourism Call Center: 19988
Tourism International Call Center: 00966112614750
Najm Company: 920000560
Passports: 992
Saudi Public Security: 989
General enquiries: 905
Emergency medical consultation: 937
Municipalities: 940
Ministry of Transport emergency: 938
We are all excited and have got you the list of must-visit places. Plan your next trip to Saudi Arabia, and we are sure you would feel amazed by the country’s myriad of colors.
The Kingdom’s premier pre-Islamic site and open-air art gallery covers a vast area and houses some of the most impressive petroglyphs (rock carvings) you are likely to see ever. The most exquisite carvings date back to 5,500 BC. The elegant rock-cut ibex, oryx, and camels abound, as well as significant Thamudic inscriptions will make you awestruck.
The site is at the northwestern edge of the city of Jubbah and is 100km northwest of Hail. You can plan a day trip by car.
This is a must-visit historic site in the Farasan Islands. The neighborhood has houses of the former Pearl merchants. Adorned with intrinsic floral design and geometry, the whole area looks like it had been made for Instagram.
Surrounded by sand, this fort looks straight out of historical movies with its rustic charm and aura. It was built around 1865. The history is that this is the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, during which a spear was hurled at the main entrance door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway.
Don’t miss the fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia, dating from 1912 to 1937.
Village in Asir National Park
This mysterious and hanging village is a wonder of Saudi Arabia. The series of sandstone houses that hang from local rock perches on a ledge 400m down a sheer cliff was accessible only by habal (rope ladders) in the past. Access to the village is by a cable car which is operational only during the summer season (May to October). The rest of the year, you can visit the nearby viewpoint to admire this fantastic human-made wonder from afar.
The village is 55 km from Abha.
This wonder was created by an underground volcanic explosion. Located in the middle of the desert lake and the palm plantations make for a fantastic view. There are picnic spots all around, and also there is a hidden hiking trail that leads to the bottom.
The picturesque nature and rich history make it a must-visit destination. The nearby town of Al-Ula boasts a beautiful oasis, museums, an old mud village and ruins and tombs of Khuraibah.
The Rub’ al Khali is also known as Empty Quarter & it is the largest sand desert in the world. You can explore the desert either on a camel or a 4×4 SUV.
These dramatic towering cliffs rise dramatically in the middle of a barren desert. The Edge of the World or Jebel Fihrayn is in the rocky desert northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The place earned its nickname because from atop the mountain, you get an uninterrupted view of the horizon.
Located east of the holy city of Mecca, Ta’if is Saudi Arabia’s summer capital. It’s also the seasonal residence for the royalty of Saudi Arabia. The fantastic climate, serene atmosphere, and the beautiful views make it a perfect holiday destination for relaxation.
Shubra Palace Al Rudaf Park, Okaz Souk, Turkish Fort are some of the must-visit places. Don’t forget to taste and pack some local roses, grapes, figs, and honey. They are the local favorites.
Situated west of capital city Riyadh, the trip to Gassim is more scenic as you pass through dunes, camels and date palm grooves.
Must visit are the Museum of Buraydah, fresh fruit trial in Unayzah, historic Dumat al Jandal, and the dusty desert city of Al Diriyah.
Book any flight and get flat 60 SAR Off. Use code: GOREHLAT.
Gift your expat friend a trip to the Kingdom, and let them see how beautiful and diverse the country is.
Monalisha Mallick
Creative soul. Writer. Traveler. Monalisha is infinitely curious about the world. When not answering questions about her career choice (graduation in Engineering and profession in writing), she enjoys going out to experience new places, savor fresh cuisines, meet people (many time weird) and soak in the culture from different eras and places.
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