The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced major visa changes for visitors arriving from 12 countries. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will introduce new rules for travelers coming into the country from Pakistan, Turkey, Lebanon, and more. Under the new system, incoming travelers will no longer need a visa sticker on their passport.
Instead, they will be able to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) online. The e-visa will be valid for a single entry and will allow visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days.
The new visa rules are part of a broader effort by Saudi Arabia to attract more tourists and business travelers to the country. The kingdom is also hoping to boost trade with the 12 countries that are affected by the changes.
The visa changes will come into effect on the following dates:
Pakistan: July 24
Yemen: July 26
Sudan: August 2
Uganda: August 7
Lebanon: August 9
Nepal: August 14
Turkey: August 16
Sri Lanka: August 21
Kenya: August 23
Morocco: August 28
Thailand: August 30
Vietnam: September 4
The apply for an e-visa, visitors will need to visit the GACA website and provide their passport details, contact information, and travel dates. The e-visa will be issued instantly and can be printed out or saved to a mobile device.
The new visa rules are expected to have a positive impact on tourism and trade between Saudi Arabia and the 12 affected countries. The kingdom is already a popular destination for Muslims from around the world who come to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and Umrah. The new visa rules are likely to make it easier for tourists and business travelers from other countries to visit Saudi Arabia as well.
Impact Of The Visa Changes
The new visa changes are expected to have a number of positive impacts on Saudi Arabia. First, they will make it easier for tourists and business travelers to visit the country. This is likely to boost tourism and trade, which will benefit the Saudi economy.
Second, the new visa rules will help to promote Saudi Arabia as a more open and welcoming country. This could attract more investment and talent to the kingdom, which would further boost the economy.
Third, the new visa could help to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and the 12 affected countries. This is because the changes will make it easier for people from these countries to travel to and do business in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the points mentioned above, the new visa rules could also have a number of other positive impacts on Saudi Arabia. For example, they could help to:
Increase the number of international students studying in Saudi Arabia
Attract more foreign investment
Create new jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors
Promote cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and other countries
Overall, the new visa rules are a positive development for Saudi Arabia. They are likely to have a number of benefits for the country's economy, society, and culture.
