Saudi Tourist Visa Issuance Automation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a hot tourist destination for years. As part of its tourism development strategy, it has automated the issuance of its tourist visas. The primary goal of automation is to boost tourism and provide efficient travel for visitors. This article discusses Saui Tourist Visa Issuance Automation.

The Evolution of Saudi Arabia’s Visa System

Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) maintained a restrictive visa policy. This made entrance difficult for many people from other nations to visit the country. However, its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy away from sole dependence on oil brought about a new visa policy to attract people from all over the world. As a result, the kingdom issued 18.6 million visas in 2023.

The tourist visa issuance automation stands as one of the most significant steps in making the country accessible to many visitors. The issuance of visas moved from traditional manual applications to electronic visas and self-service visa kiosks. This resulted in simplified travel for tourists, business visitors, and pilgrims.

The Role of Automation in Visa Issuance

The eVisa program welcomes citizens of 68 countries to apply for visas through the Saudi government portal for smooth application.

Key Automation Features and Processes

The upgrade to automated issuance of Tourist Visa sought to make travel smoother. The key features of the eVIsa are shown below.

• No More Consulate Visits: Now Saudi visa is entirely applied online which has eliminated paperwork and long queues. You can apply at visa.visitsaudi.com
• Simple Digital Process: The application is straightforward; just fill out the form online, upload your documents, and make payments.
• Fast Issuance: Your e-Visa will be issued within 60 seconds, a significant reduction compared to the previous 48-hour wait time.
• Spontaneity in Travels: It is perfect for those who need to travel at the last minute.
• User-Friendly: The website is easy to navigate.

• Secure Online Payment: You can safely make payments on the website.
• All Visa Services in One Place: The KSA Visa platform has all visa services in one single website.
• Personalized Experience: You can create an account on the platform, save your information, and track your application. Everything you need to do will be through that account.

Benefits of Saudi Tourist Visa Issuance Automation

The automation of the Saudi Tourist Visa has many advantages for both the country and its visitors. Here are some of the benefits:

• Fast Processing Time: After applying, applicants can receive their visas in less than 24 hours. This is one of the fastest in the world.
• Clear Guidelines: The website provides clear guidelines on application, and what the visa covers and does not cover. It also provides information on what you can and not do while in Saudi Arabia.
• AI-powered Efficiency: Through the adoption of AI, Machine Learning (ML), automated systems, and online databases, the processing, and verification of documents are swiftly done.
• Enhance Security: The use of AI not only increases accuracy and speeds up the application process multiplefold, but it also prevents errors, fraud, and illegal entries.
• Balanced Approach: Despite the automated systems and high tourist attraction, Saudi Arabia still upholds and ensures full adherence to their regulations.
• Increased Tourism and Economic Growth: By automating the issuance of tourist visas, the Kingdom has witnessed an increasing number of tourist visits from across the globe. This is in line with its goal of achieving 100 million annual visitors by 2030. Spendings on accommodation, entertainment, transportation, and insurance, have contributed to economic growth.

Easy Ways to Get a Saudi Tourist Visa

It is very easy to obtain a Saudi Tourist Visa thanks to its automated system. Here is how to get a tourist visa:

Electronic Visa

• Online Application: You can apply at your convenience online, there is no need to visit a consulate.
• Multiple Entries: The visa allows you to go in and out of the country multiple times within a year.
• 90-Day Stays: The tourist visa allows you to stay within Saudi Arabia for 90 days on each visit.

Visa On Arrival

In addition to applying online, there is also the Visa-on-Arrival option at airports. This option allows people to get their visas through self-service kiosks to eliminate the need for long processing times. It also provides flexibility for last-minute travel.

• Get Your Visa at the Airport: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made it possible for visitors with certain nationalities to get a visa right when they land at the airport.
• Quick Approval: Onsite visas are approved within a few minutes
• Perfect for Last Minute Trips: This is a great option for travelers who decide at the last minute.
• Instant e-Visa: You can still get an e-visa upon arrival.
• Simplified Application: Your travel history can be used to make screening easier and faster.
• Fast Passport Scanning: Digital scanners are used to quickly capture your passport details.
• Secure fingerprinting: Secure digital fingerprinting helps to identify you quickly while enhancing security.

Permitted and Prohibited Activities

Although the automated visa system makes it easy and quick to visit the country. There are certain things that you can do and some you are not permitted to do.

What You Can Do

• Cultural Exploration: you are allowed to enjoy various tourism events, visit family, and move about for leisure purposes.

• Experience Saudi Heritage: You are allowed to go to cultural sites and explore its heritage.
• Perform Umrah: With the tourist visa, you are allowed to perform Umrah but not Hajj.

What You Cannot Do

• Getting a Job: With a tourist visa, you are not allowed to get a job or do any kind of work in Saudi Arabia.
• Education: you are prohibited from enrolling in academic pursuits while in the country.