Saudi Arabia removes specific profession requirements for tourism visas, for GCC residents interested in travelling to KSA
10 March 2023
| Last updated on 10 March 2023
The kingdom's tourism authority welcomes the expansion of the GCC residents visa which now is open to all professions for those wanting to apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa.
Announced this week by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the visa allows visitors who are GCC residents to enjoy Saudi’s diverse tourist destinations and perform Umrah throughout the year, irrespective of their profession.
This is the latest in a series of announcements across the Saudi tourism eco-system that aim to attract regional tourists and provide more activities for visitors coming from GCC countries.
Where to apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?
People who wish to visit the kingdom can view more information and apply for a visa through the Visit Saudi official website.
The Visit Saudi app also provides a gateway for travelers to stay up to date on all the events, international festivals, activities and experiences available in the kingdom.
Image: Visit Saudi
The tourist visa was launched in 2019, to keep up with the development and growth of the tourism sector.
Applying for Umrah travel through Nusuk
In 2022, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched the Nusuk platform in collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program.
Nusuk, Saudi’s first-ever official integrated digital platform, offers all pilgrims and visitors an easy-to-use planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah, and beyond. With Nusuk, travelers from all over the world can easily organise their entire visit, from applying for an eVisa to booking hotels and flights.
To book Umrah travel through Nusuk, please visit the official website.
Saudi has seen a remarkable increase in the number of visitors every year, reaching more than 93 million visits in 2022. The tourism sector aims to reach 100 million visits annually by 2030.
