Saudi Arabia expands e-visa to SA and seven other countries

Saudi Arabia expands e-visa to SA and seven other countries Photos: Stock/Canva

Saudi Arabia announced the expansion of its visitor e-visa scheme to South Africa and seven other countries.

Saudi Arabia expands e-visa to SA and seven other countries Photos: Stock/Canva

SAUDI ARABIA EXPANDS E-VISA TO SA AND SEVEN OTHER COUNTRIES

The Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said by expanding the e-visas to 8 new countries, Saudi Arabia takes another step forward in opening its doors to the world and offering an easier and simplified travel experience for all visitors to the Kingdom.

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Nationals of these countries can apply for a visitor visa electronically or upon arrival at one of the Kingdom’s ports.

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THESE ARE THE EIGHT COUNTRIES

Here are the eight countries:

South Africa,
Albania,
Azerbaijan,
Georgia,
Kyrgyzstan,
the Maldives,
Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan.

WHAT IS AN E-VISA/ ONLINE VISA?

E-Visa is a system developed to save passengers from long-term and tiring bureaucratic procedures and create an alternative to visas issued at the borders. Online users can apply for visas online to the countries they wish to visit.

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Those considering applying for a visa can obtain their travel documents if they meet the requirements through the e-visa system. Online visas are issued mainly for tourist purposes.

This system is not yet implemented to work permits or student visas.

HOW TO GET AN E-VISA/ONLINE VISA?

Visa procedures and documents requested vary by country, but the process is generally the same for every country. To obtain an online visa, first of all, the country of destination must provide this service.

Passengers with valid passports can pay the requested e-visa fee through their credit cards, print the document and pass directly through the border.

Many foreign citizens wishing to enter our country without going to any representative office or waiting in line to get approval can directly apply for an e-visa only with their passport details. After completing the payment procedure, they can get their e-visas.

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Corné van Zyl

Corné van Zyl is a journalist, editor, digital manager, and photographer with extensive experience and management skills. She studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and started her career at Media24. Corné worked for Beeld and the tabloid Sondag newspaper before she made her way to the South African Press Association (SAPA). After surviving a six-day ICU Covid-19 ordeal in 2021, she left her permanent job, packed up, and sold everything in Pretoria to start a new venture on the South Coast with her adorable two-year-old son and high school sweetheart of 20 years.