Saudi Arabia Expands Visa-Free Access to 10 New Countries

Saudi Arabia has announced visa-free access for nationals of 10 additional countries, continuing its aggressive expansion of tourism openness under Vision 2030. The new additions bring the total number of countries with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Saudi Arabia to over 60 — representing one of the most dramatic policy reversals in modern tourism history. A country that granted tourist visas to almost no one as recently as 2017 now actively competes with Dubai and Istanbul for international visitors.

The New Countries

The 10 newly added countries span multiple regions, reflecting Saudi Arabia's strategy of attracting tourism from diverse markets. The additions include nations from Southeast Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. The Saudi government has indicated that further countries will be added throughout 2025 as part of a rolling liberalisation programme tied to bilateral trade and diplomatic engagements.

Citizens of newly eligible countries can enter for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance. Simply arrive at a Saudi port of entry with a valid passport. Stays are typically permitted for 30–90 days depending on your specific nationality's arrangement.

Saudi Arabia's Tourism Push Under Vision 2030

This expansion is part of a government strategy to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil. Tourism has been identified as a core pillar of Vision 2030, with formal targets to attract 150 million visitors annually and grow the sector's contribution to GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030.

Key milestones in this accelerated push:

• ·2019: Launch of the tourist eVisa for 49 countries — the first time Saudi Arabia issued tourist visas at all
• ·2021–2023: Gradual expansion to additional nationalities; visa-on-arrival introduced at major international airports
• ·2024: Launch of the Saudi Premium Residency and long-term visitor programmes
• ·2025: Ongoing liberalisation with new visa-free corridors across three continents

The country has simultaneously invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. Projects like NEOM, Diriyah, and AlUla are explicitly designed to attract international visitors who would previously never have considered Saudi Arabia as a leisure destination.

Top Destinations for International Visitors

Saudi Arabia offers far more than religious tourism. International visitors are discovering a country with diverse geography and significant historical depth:

Riyadh — The capital has transformed rapidly. The Boulevard entertainment district, the National Museum, and the Diriyah historic quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the founding home of the House of Saud) are major draws for cultural visitors.

AlUla — One of the most significant archaeological sites in the Arabian Peninsula, AlUla features the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra (Madain Saleh), which predates Petra in Jordan. The area is accessible by charter flights and organised tours with specialist guides.

The Red Sea Coast — Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline stretches over 1,800 km and includes some of the world's most pristine and largely undived coral reefs. The NEOM and Red Sea Project developments are bringing resort infrastructure to previously inaccessible areas.

Abha and Asir Province — A mountainous southwestern region with a unique highland culture, cooler temperatures year-round, and dramatic terraced landscapes unlike anywhere else in the Gulf.

Jeddah — A UNESCO-listed historic district (Al-Balad), a vibrant seafront corniche, excellent seafood restaurants, and the gateway city for pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah.

What Visitors Need to Know: Practical Information

Dress Code and Social Norms

Saudi Arabia has liberalised its social policies significantly since 2017, but cultural expectations remain important for visitors:

• ·Women are no longer required to wear the abaya (full-length robe) in public, though modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected
• ·Public displays of affection between unmarried people remain socially unacceptable
• ·Photography of government buildings, royal palaces, military installations, and people without consent is restricted
• ·Respecting local customs during prayer times — particularly Friday midday prayers — is appreciated

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol remains completely prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. Unlike some other Gulf states, there are no licensed hotel bars, no duty-free alcohol, and no exceptions for non-Muslims. Attempting to bring alcohol into the country is a criminal offence.

Health and Safety

Saudi Arabia has excellent private hospitals in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities. No specific vaccinations are required for most visitors, though standard travel health precautions apply. Travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for all visitors.

Currency and Payments

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 SAR per USD, making it easy to estimate costs. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. Cash remains expected at traditional souks (markets) and smaller local establishments.

Transportation Within Saudi Arabia

The country has invested significantly in domestic transport. The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Makkah, Madinah, King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), and Jeddah city centre. Riyadh has a functioning metro system. For regional travel, Saudi Arabian Airlines and budget carrier flynas offer extensive domestic routes. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Careem) are the standard for urban transport.

eVisa Still Available for Other Nationalities

For citizens of countries not yet covered by visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements, Saudi Arabia's eVisa program provides a fully online application. Apply through the Visit Saudi portal (visitsaudi.com) and typically receive a decision within 3–5 business days.

• ·Tourism and leisure visits
• ·Visiting family and friends
• ·Attending concerts, events, and cultural activities

Fee: Approximately SAR 440 (roughly USD 117), which includes mandatory travel insurance bundled into the application — no need to purchase separate insurance.

Validity: Multiple-entry options available, with stays of up to 90 days per visit on a 1-year validity period.

How to Check Your Specific Access

Saudi Arabia's visa requirements update regularly. To confirm whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or needs an advance eVisa application, use the VizaHunt Saudi Arabia destination page for real-time status.