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Gulf Insider
10 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Visit Visa Guide 2025: eVisa, Visa On Arrival And Transit Options, Explained
Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, marking a six per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism's latest Annual Statistical Report. The growth highlights the Kingdom's rising profile as a global travel destination, supported by its expanding hospitality sector, new attractions, and improved visa policies. To accommodate this surge in visitors, Saudi Arabia offers several types of visit visas depending on nationality, residency, and purpose of travel. Whether you are planning to perform Umrah, reunite with family, explore the country for tourism, or attend business meetings, here is a detailed guide to the visa options available. Travellers from eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia's airports and land or sea entry points. On arrival, you can either use self-service kiosks or apply directly at the passport control counter. You may qualify for a visa on arrival if you: Hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa. Are a permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK. For most eligible nationalities, the Saudi eVisa is the most convenient option. Applications can be submitted online through the official eVisa platform. The eVisa is issued electronically and delivered by email once approved. Who can apply for a Saudi eVisa? You may apply if you are: A citizen of an eligible country listed on the Saudi visa platform. A holder of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa. A permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK. A resident in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. To confirm whether you qualify for a Saudi eVisa or visa on arrival, visit By selecting 'visit' as your purpose of travel, entering your nationality, and indicating your residency (if applicable), the system will show the visa options available to you. If you are not eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival, you can still apply for a Saudi visit visa through embassies or authorised service centres. This option caters to tourism, family visits, Umrah, and business purposes. Family and Friends – For family visits, a Saudi resident or citizen must initiate the application by sending an invitation. The guest must have a family relationship with the inviter. Tourism – Visitors from non-eligible countries can apply through visa service centres (if available in their country) or directly through Saudi embassies. Applications are submitted via the KSA Visa platform and finalised at the relevant embassy. Umrah – Eligible travellers may perform Umrah using an eVisa, visa on arrival, or transit visa through Flynas and Saudia Airlines. If none of these options apply, an Umrah visa must be arranged through licensed Umrah agents, visa offices, or Saudi embassies. Business – A business visit visa is issued for meetings, conferences, and commercial activities. Applicants require an invitation letter from a Saudi company, outlining the purpose of the visit. If no letter is available, details about the applicant's business must be provided in the application. Saudi Arabia also issues transit visas for travellers passing through the Kingdom by air, land, or sea. The stopover visa is a special option for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas. It allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours (four days) and can be used to perform Umrah or visit holy sites. The visa is free of charge, with only processing and mandatory medical insurance fees required. Important note – This information is intended as a general guide. Travellers should always verify the latest requirements through Saudi Arabia's official visa platform at or contact the support centre at inside Saudi Arabia – 920011114 and outside Saudi Arabia: +966920011114
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministry releases NFE Statistical Report 2023-24
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has released an Annual Statistical Report 2023-24 regarding Non Formal Education (NFE) in Pakistan, with a notable 20% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year. The report showed an estimated enrolment of 35,427 with NFE centers serve 1,290,009 learners. As far as gender parity is concerned, over 57% of learners are girls, with significant regional variations. Report mentioned that 82% of teachers are female, with significant regional variations whereas 3,382 adult literacy centers serve 80,093 learners, demonstrating a significant increase in focus on adult literacy. In addition, around 10,181 refugee children, primarily from Afghanistan, are enrolled in NFE programmes. While the public sector plays a dominant role, the contribution of private and development sector organizations is crucial. Pakistan faces a significant education crisis, with an estimated 25.37 million out-of-school children (OOSC) aged 5-16, according to the 7th Population and Housing Census Report 2023 by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. This number has risen alarmingly, influenced by the impacts of COVID-19 and recent floods. Non-Formal Education (NFE) serves as a vital alternative, providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities for these children. Recent years have witnessed significant developments in the NFE sector, including the formulation of a comprehensive NFE policy, strengthened institutional frameworks, and the scaling up of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), including innovative models like ALP (Middle-Tech). The 'Zero OOSC Campaign' in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) a successful collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the community, demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in identifying and enrolling OOSC. The 2023-24 NFE Statistical Report provides valuable insights into the current state of NFE in Pakistan. Annual Report recommended to expand Adult Learning Programme (ALP) Programmes, prioritise the expansion of ALP (Middle-Tech) programs due to their high retention rates (70%) and their ability to provide both academic and vocational skills. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Tourism Breaking News
03-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Ministry of Tourism: Saudi Arabia Tops 100 Million Tourist Mark for the Second Year in a Row in 2024
Post Views: 52 The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector's continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdom's leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sector's accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spending—for domestic and inbound tourism—reached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
KSA Tops 100 Million Domestic & Inbound Tourist Mark for 2nd Year in a Row in 2024
Rana Atef The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector's continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdom's leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sector's accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabia's tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spending—for domestic and inbound tourism—reached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024. The Ministry invited investors and stakeholders to view the full 2024 Annual Statistical Report available on the Ministry's website: Tourist Intelligence Center | Ministry of Tourism | KSA ( read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Gulf Insider
23-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Soars: 116 Million Visitors, SR284 Billion Spending In 2024
Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism's Annual Statistical Report released on Sunday. The report revealed that total domestic and inbound travel spending reached around SR284 billion in 2024, an 11 per cent year-on-year growth. The surge reflects the Kingdom's growing appeal as a global travel destination and the effectiveness of its sustained investment in tourism infrastructure, cultural offerings, and streamlined visitor experiences. A record-breaking 30 million inbound tourists visited Saudi Arabia in 2024, an 8 percent increase over 2023, the highest number ever recorded. Spending by international visitors soared to SR168.5 billion, a 19 percent rise from the previous year. Domestic tourism also showed robust growth, with 86.2 million residents travelling within the Kingdom, spending SR115.3 billion and representing a 5 per cent increase in volume and value. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: 'Tourism is no longer a supporting sector; it is a key economic driver that enables Vision 2030. These figures reflect the commitment of our partners across the tourism ecosystem, from investors and entrepreneurs to cultural institutions and hospitality leaders.' The ministry emphasised that the sector's growth builds on the significant momentum gained in 2023 and showcases the effectiveness of recent policy reforms, marketing campaigns, and investment initiatives to make Saudi Arabia more accessible and attractive to global travellers.
