Saudi Arabia Expands Visa-on-Arrival Access to Boost Summer Tourism and Reopen Religious Travel

Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in revitalizing its tourism and religious travel sectors by expanding its visa-on-arrival policy to include a broader group of international visitors. Effective immediately, travelers holding valid Schengen, United Kingdom, or United States visas—or those residing in the European Union, UK, or US—are now eligible to receive a visa upon arrival at designated Saudi ports of entry.

This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to simplify entry procedures and attract a wider spectrum of tourists during a period of heightened global interest. With the summer season poised to bring a surge in international arrivals, the new policy aims to facilitate smoother access for business travelers, tourists, and religious pilgrims alike.

A Major Step Toward Tourism Recovery and Expansion

The move aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which include diversifying the national economy and reducing dependence on oil revenues by promoting tourism as a major growth sector. The visa-on-arrival expansion is part of a wider series of reforms designed to position the Kingdom as a global travel destination, offering both spiritual experiences and world-class leisure opportunities.

Officials have emphasized that this summer represents one of the most attractive times to visit Saudi Arabia, thanks to a dynamic mix of events and attractions. Among the highlights is the Esports World Cup, set to take place in Riyadh, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of international visitors. In addition, the Kingdom’s picturesque Red Sea coastline, desert retreats, cultural festivals, and historic landmarks are primed to welcome a new wave of travelers.

Religious Travel Resumes as Hajj Season Concludes

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also announced the resumption of Umrah visa issuance beginning June 10, following the completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The reopening comes as pilgrims conclude their rites, including the farewell tawaf in Makkah, which marks the final act of Hajj. With Hajj rituals completed, the authorities have lifted restrictions that were previously imposed to control the volume of pilgrims in the holy cities.

From June 11, entry into Makkah has officially reopened for pilgrims and tourists holding valid travel and religious documents. This policy change allows pilgrims to resume their spiritual journeys without disruption and underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting religious tourism, one of the cornerstones of its hospitality industry.

In preparation for Hajj earlier this year, the Kingdom had implemented a temporary suspension of visa services to manage crowds and ensure safety during the peak religious period. This included a pause on issuing Umrah, family visit, and tourist visas. April 13 marked the final date for Umrah pilgrim entry before Hajj preparations commenced in earnest.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Accessibility for Global Travelers

The visa-on-arrival policy shift is particularly noteworthy for its inclusivity. Travelers do not need to be citizens of Schengen, the UK, or the US to benefit; it is sufficient to hold a valid visa or be a resident of these regions. This inclusive policy effectively opens doors to millions of potential visitors from Asia, Africa, and Latin America who may already possess visas for travel to these regions.

By removing bureaucratic barriers and streamlining entry, Saudi Arabia aims to send a clear message: the Kingdom is open and ready to host the world. Airports across the country, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, are expected to see increased traffic as these changes take effect.

Tourism and Vision 2030: A Long-Term Strategy

The introduction of visa-on-arrival for eligible travelers is part of a broader tourism development framework under Vision 2030. Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Vision 2030 seeks to elevate Saudi Arabia into one of the top global travel destinations. The plan includes the development of major tourism mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and AlUla.

These projects aim to showcase Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural, historical, and natural assets while enhancing the infrastructure necessary to support a booming tourism sector. The government has also invested heavily in digitalization, enabling faster visa processing, real-time visitor support, and better coordination between ministries and private-sector stakeholders.

Tourism contributed around 4% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2023, and officials hope to increase that figure to 10% in the coming years. The visa-on-arrival reform plays a vital role in achieving this target by encouraging spontaneous travel and last-minute visits, which are increasingly common in today’s tourism trends.

A New Chapter for Pilgrims and Tourists

For millions of Muslims worldwide, the opportunity to visit Makkah and Madinah is a profound spiritual goal. The restoration of Umrah travel services ensures that pilgrims can once again make these journeys outside the Hajj season. The recent easing of travel restrictions demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to manage large-scale religious events while keeping its borders open and operational.

Meanwhile, non-religious tourists stand to benefit equally from the new visa policy, as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its global reach with events, attractions, and improved accessibility. Whether visiting for spiritual fulfillment, cultural exploration, or business opportunities, travelers now have greater flexibility in planning their visits.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s latest visa-on-arrival expansion and the resumption of Umrah services mark a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s tourism strategy. By welcoming travelers from across the globe with simplified entry procedures and a growing portfolio of attractions and events, the country is rapidly transforming into a hub for both religious and leisure tourism.

The post Saudi Arabia Welcomes Global Travelers With New Visa-on-Arrival Policy Covering Schengen, UK, US Visa Holders And Residents, Aiming To Accelerate Tourism Growth In Summer 2025: New Updates You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.