Latest news with #eVisa


Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Saudi visa for Romanian citizens
As of 2019, Saudi Arabia has made some changes to its immigration policy and has introduced an easier and more efficient way for people to visit this wonderful country. The new eVisa will allow many nationalities to enjoy the beauty of the country with a quick online application and Romanian citizens are entitled to apply. Let us unveil the details regarding the Saudi visa for Romanian citizens. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash What is the Saudi e Visa for Romanian citizens? Having observed the great benefits that come from tourism in nearby destinations like the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, Saudi Arabia decided to open its doors to do something similar. In 2019 the Saudi eVisa was released, allowing holders of certain passports, the chance to gain a one-year visa, which would allow multiple entries into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Who can apply for the Saudi e Visa? Nationals from 66 eligible countries can apply for an online eVisa for Saudi Arabia, making visiting Saudi Arabia much easier and more accessible than ever before. Nationals of EU countries as well as Canada, USA, Panama, Bahamas, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are among the eligible countries listed on the official website. Romanian citizens are currently eligible to apply for this e visa. What are the benefits of the Saudi eVisa for Romanian citizens? Many great benefits come with a Saudi eVisa, especially if you plan to visit the country on more than one occasion, for specific reasons. Here is a list of advantages: A one-year multiple entry visa. Tourists can spend up to 90 days at a time visiting the country. Tourists can take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and friend visits, Umrah, and short business visits. No lines and no in-embassy interviews. The eVisa can be used for several purposes. Other Types of Saudi visa The Saudi eVisa can only be used for specific purposes, and if you are not eligible to apply for this visa, you may need to visit an embassy to apply for another visa instead. Similarly, if you need to visit Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days at a time, you will not be eligible for a Saudi e visa. Other Saudi visa options include: Business Visa Work Visa Transit Visa Hajj Other long-stay visas Saudi eVisa for Requirements for Romanian Citizens Before you start your application form make sure you are the bearer of a valid Romanian passport. It is wise to carefully look at your travel plans to see if this is a suitable visa for your trip. Here are the Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Romanian citizens Passport It is important to check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity (from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia) before making your application. The visa is connected to your passport and if your passport expires, the Visa will also expire. If you have limited time left before your passport expires, it is best to apply for a new one. Photo When applying online, you will need to upload a recent photo. Make sure this is not blurry and that it complies with standard passport photos. Valid Email Address To apply for this e Visa, you will need a valid email address that you can access. The e-visa is electronic and will be emailed to you as well as connected to your passport. It is also very important to have access to this email in case your visa is refused, as you will be sent the reasons for refusal and further steps. Application Form As a Romanian citizen, you are required to apply via the online application form, which is quick and easy. Each person should fill out their own individual application forms for entry into Saudi Arabia. How to Apply for a Saudi e-Visa To apply for a Saudi visa for Romanian citizens, travelers can now easily apply online. The Saudi visit visa is offered to 66 eligible nationalities including Romanian citizens in 2019, to make visiting Saudi Arabia much easier for tourists. To apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia you should follow these steps: Step 1: Fill out the Visa Application Form The next step to applying for your visit visa for Saudi Arabia is to fill out the relevant application form. To ensure that your application is not rejected it is advised to take your time with the application, review it before submitting and always provide truthful information. It is worth noting that Romanian citizens must submit the application for the Saudi eVisa at least 3 days before their scheduled departure, in case of any delays, so never leave your visa until the last minute. Step 2: Pay the Saudi e-Visa Fee The cost of the visa is $199, which includes governmental fees and agency service fees, making this process as easy as can be. The fee can be paid with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Step 3: Get the Saudi e-Visa Once your application form and fee have been submitted, you will receive your visa within a few business days but can be processed quickly. Saudi Tourist eVisa Validity The Saudi eVisa allows those with Romanian passports, to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days at a time. This is a one-year multiple entry visa, allowing ease of access for the visa holder, which is the purpose of this straightforward visa process. If you plan to stay longer than this then you should contact your local embassy to find a suitable visa for your trip. Saudi Visa Extension for Romanian Citizens One of the most common questions regarding the Saudi eVisa is whether it can be extended or not. One of the most important factors associated with the Saudi visa for Romanian citizens is that it is non-extendible. If you wish to stay longer you will need to apply for a long stay visa or leave the country and apply for a new e visa, which will require a second Saudi Arabia visa fee. The Saudi Visa Processing Time One of the benefits of the Saudi eVisa is that it is easy to apply online within a few minutes, once you have the right documents at hand and a valid passport. Once you have paid the fee, you can expect to wait between 1 and 5 days for a response. However, this does not mean you should wait until the last minute to apply for your visa, in the case of any delays. Important Things to Note for Romanian Citizens The Saudi eVisa is valid from the date of issuance, not from the date of entry, and lasts 365 days. If your passport expires before the 365 days have lapsed, then your visa will be deemed invalid and you will need to apply for a new passport and a new Saudi e visa. Should your Saudi eVisa application be denied, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for the rejection. For this, you will need to pay the processing fee again. Always carry a printed copy of your Saudi eVisa and a valid passport during your stay in Saudi Arabia and abide by the local laws. Like this: Like Related


India.com
26-05-2025
- India.com
India Restarts Visa Issuance For Afghan Citizens After 5 Year: Check Eligibility, Documents & How To Apply
Indian visa for Afghan students: India has restarted visa services for Afghan citizens after five years This is a big step for people in Afghanistan who want to visit India for medical education family or other important reasons The new update brings hope for many Afghans who were waiting for this decision since the halt in 2021. Why India Halted Afghan Visa Services in 2021? In August 2021 India stopped giving visas to Afghan citizens. This happened after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan Due to safety and security concerns India closed its embassy and stopped all visa services for people from Afghanistan. What's New in the 2025 India Visa Policy for Afghans? Now in 2025 the Indian government has started the visa process again. This means Afghan citizens can apply for a visa to visit India. The online visa system has been made simple and faster for easy application There is no need to visit any embassy or center for now. Who is Eligible to Apply for an Indian Visa from Afghanistan Now? People from Afghanistan who want to visit India for these reasons can apply now: 1. Medical treatment 2. Education 3. Business meetings 4. Visiting family or friends 5. Special emergency needs Tourism visas are still limited but important visas like medical and study visas are available again. How to Apply for an Indian Visa from Afghanistan in 2025? The Indian visa can be applied online from the official Indian visa portal Afghan citizens must follow these steps. 1. Go to the Indian visa website 2. Choose your visa type medical student or other 3. Fill the form with correct details 4. Upload required documents 5. Submit the form and wait for approval by email Once approved you will get an eVisa that you can show at the Indian airport during travel. What Documents are Required for Afghan Citizens to Apply for an Indian Visa? Here is a list of documents needed for Afghan citizens: 1. Valid Afghan passport 2. Passport size recent photo 3. Letter from hospital or university if applying for medical or education visa 4. Proof of relationship for family visits 5. Personal contact details and address in India 6. Bank or financial statement may be needed in some cases Make sure all documents are scanned clearly and uploaded in the right format. What About the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan Is It Open Now? The Indian embassy in Kabul is still not fully open due to safety concerns. But the government has started handling visa requests through its online platform and through Indian missions in nearby countries like Iran and UAE Afghan citizens may also get help from Indian consulates in those regions. Takeaway The restart of Indian visas for Afghan nationals is a positive step in 2025 This allows Afghan citizens to connect with family study get treatment or do business in India again. With the simple online process and clear rules applying for an Indian visa is now easy and fast.


The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Up to 700,000 migrants do not have UK eVisas, days before deadline
Hundreds of thousands of people have still not registered for eVisas, leaving them without the means to prove their immigration status just days before the final deadline. The Home Office is replacing physical identity documents for millions of migrants with online information, which can be used for traveland the right to work and rent a home. The controversial new system has been dogged by a succession of technical problems. A high court challenge is under way arguing that the Home Office should put in a physical backup for times when the online system fails. According to Home Office data, by the end of 2024 3.2 million people had registered for eVisas out of an estimated 4 million who need them. Another 100,000 eVisa accounts were created in January of this year. The Home Office says that earlier this year 100,000 visas expired, mainly for students, but it is not known whether this group have all left the country or are in the process of applying for alternatives. This means there could be up to 700,000 people who will not have registered for eVisas by the 1 June deadline. It is also not known exactly how many people have created eVisa accounts that are not working. Lawyers, the media and advocacy groups have received countless complaints about the problems people have experienced with eVisas. Some people have been delayed in boarding return flights to the UK after staff at foreign airports have not accepted the eVisasor they could not be accessed online. The Home Office has already twice extended the deadline for registering, firstly from 31 December 2024 to 31 March 2025 and then to 1 June in the hope of getting more people to register. Officials confirmed to the Guardian that there have been at least two IT failures relating to online visa systems, the first from 5 to 6 March and the second on 8 and 9 May. Home Office sources confirmed that the March issue related to a Home Office system update, which caused a limited number of people to see incorrect information within the 'Update Your Details' element of their account. This resulted in some people seeing an incorrect reference number and nationality for identity documents linked to their account. In the second incident, an error message popped up on screen when people tried to input visa information relating to email verification, preventing people from submitting visa applications. The error message said: 'We are urgently working to fix this and are sorry for any inconvenience caused.' Open Rights Group is one of the organisations that has raised concerns about failings in the eVisa system. Sara Alsherif, the migrant rights programme manager at the group, said: 'As a result of the flawed eVisa scheme, people with the legal right to be in the UK have been held at airports, denied jobs and even made homeless.' Unkha Banda, a solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn involved in the eVisas legal challenge, said: 'We're seeing worrying numbers of clients being denied vital services like housing and public funds because their eVisa accounts contain incorrect personal information. 'Even more concerning is the fact that Home Office's systems to fix these issues are slow and often ineffective. The government has the legal power to offer alternative proof of status – it must start doing so to prevent more people being harmed.'


Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Time Business News
Everything You Need to Know About Bahrain Visa for Tourists
Bahrain, an island kingdom in the Arabian Gulf, is a stunning destination for travelers. From its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks to its modern skyscrapers and beautiful beaches, Bahrain offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. However, before you can enjoy all that this vibrant country has to offer, it's important to understand the visa requirements for tourists. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the BAHRAIN VISA FOR TOURISTS and how to make the process as smooth as possible. Bahrain is home to a variety of attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or beach activities, Bahrain has something for everyone: Historical Sites : Bahrain boasts several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain National Museum, and the Qal'at al-Bahrain. : Bahrain boasts several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain National Museum, and the Qal'at al-Bahrain. Modern Attractions : The country is also known for its modern developments, such as the Bahrain World Trade Center and the Bahrain Bay skyline. : The country is also known for its modern developments, such as the Bahrain World Trade Center and the Bahrain Bay skyline. Shopping and Dining: From traditional markets (souks) to luxury malls, Bahrain is a great place to shop and enjoy delicious meals. Whether you're planning to visit Bahrain for a few days or an extended stay, knowing how to apply for a BAHRAIN VISA FOR TOURISTS is essential. Bahrain offers several visa options for tourists, depending on the duration and purpose of your visit. Here are the most common types of visas for tourists: The most common visa for tourists is the single-entry tourist visa. This visa allows travelers to stay in Bahrain for up to 14 or 30 days, depending on the specific visa granted. It is ideal for short visits and can typically be extended in some cases. For frequent travelers to Bahrain, a multiple-entry tourist visa is an option. This visa allows tourists to enter Bahrain multiple times within a specified period. It's perfect for travelers who may need to visit Bahrain for business, leisure, or family reasons more than once during the year. The Bahrain eVisa system is a convenient and efficient way for eligible nationals to apply for a tourist visa online. This visa allows travelers to apply for their visa in just a few steps, saving time and effort. If you're eligible, the BAHRAIN VISA FOR TOURISTS process can be completed without needing to visit a Bahraini embassy. Bahrain also offers a visa on arrival for citizens of several countries. This visa can be obtained directly at the airport when you arrive in Bahrain. However, it's essential to check if your nationality is eligible for this visa option before traveling. If you're planning to visit Bahrain as a tourist, here's how you can apply for your visa: Before applying for a BAHRAIN VISA FOR TOURISTS, you need to verify your eligibility. Citizens of some countries may be able to apply for an eVisa, while others may need to apply for a visa at the embassy. You can check your eligibility by visiting the official Bahrain visa website or using the Bahrain visa eligibility checker tool. To apply for a Bahrain tourist visa, you'll need a few documents. The basic requirements include: A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Bahrain. A recent passport-sized photograph. Proof of travel (such as flight bookings or a hotel reservation in Bahrain). Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Bahrain. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be required. You can apply for your Bahrain tourist visa in two ways: Online Application (eVisa) : If you're eligible for an eVisa, visit the official Bahrain eVisa portal. Fill out the online application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee. Once approved, you will receive your eVisa by email. : If you're eligible for an eVisa, visit the official Bahrain eVisa portal. Fill out the online application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee. Once approved, you will receive your eVisa by email. Visa at the Embassy: If you are applying for a traditional tourist visa, you can submit your application at the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate. The embassy will guide you through the required process and timelines. A visa fee is required to process your application. Payment methods will vary depending on whether you're applying online or at the embassy. Ensure you check the exact fee amount on the official website to avoid any discrepancies. After submitting your application and paying the fee, your visa application will be processed. For eVisa applications, the processing time usually takes 3 to 5 business days. If you're applying through the embassy, it may take longer. Make sure to apply in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. If your visa is approved, you will receive your visa via email (for eVisa) or in person (if applying through the embassy). Print out a copy of your visa and keep it with you when traveling to Bahrain. Check Visa Validity : Always double-check the validity period of your Bahrain tourist visa before traveling. Some visas may be valid for a specific number of days, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation. : Always double-check the validity period of your Bahrain tourist visa before traveling. Some visas may be valid for a specific number of days, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Travel Insurance : It's highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Bahrain, as this will cover unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost baggage. : It's highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Bahrain, as this will cover unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost baggage. Stay Within Legal Boundaries: Ensure that you stay within the legal limits of your visa. If you want to extend your stay, check with local authorities for the proper procedures. Applying for a BAHRAIN VISA FOR TOURISTS is a simple process, especially with the convenient eVisa system available for eligible travelers. Whether you're visiting for a short holiday or a longer stay, knowing the right type of visa to apply for and following the necessary steps will make your trip to Bahrain much smoother. Be sure to check your eligibility, prepare the required documents, and apply in advance to ensure a hassle-free visa experience. Enjoy your visit to Bahrain, where history, culture, and modernity come together to create an unforgettable travel experience! TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Gulf Insider
12-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Bets on Luxury in Hotel Sector
Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is scaling up fast, with nearly 80% of its future hotel supply geared toward the luxury, upscale, and upper-upscale categories, according to Knight Frank's Saudi Arabia Hospitality Market Review – 2025. Driven by Vision 2030 goals, the Kingdom aims to develop 362,000 hotel rooms by the end of the decade, supporting its target of 150 million domestic and international visitors annually. As of Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia had 167,500 hotel keys, with 61% already in high-end segments. Another 99,500 rooms are planned or under construction, and 78% of these will cater to the premium market. 'The focus on high-end hotel development plays to Saudi Arabia's growing reputation as a luxury destination,' said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, MENA, Knight Frank. 'That said, there's a growing need for modest accommodation options to support domestic demand, which remains the sector's backbone.'Tourism revenue soars In 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted 127 million visitors, contributing 4.7% to GDP. The Kingdom is on track to hit its 10% GDP target by 2030. International arrivals rose 9.5% to 30 million, while inbound tourism spend hit a record SAR153.61 billion ($40.9 billion), up 13.8% year-on-year, according to the Saudi Central Bank. Travel has been made easier by the eVisa platform, which allows citizens from 66 countries — including the US, UK, China and Japan — to enter for leisure, Umrah, business events, and family visits. Hajj remains under a separate visa system. Diversified visitor mix While religious tourism remains foundational, Saudi Arabia is attracting a broader audience. As of Q3 2024, leisure tourists made up 30% of inbound travel, visits to friends and family 24%, and business, education, and medical travel accounted for the rest. Religious pilgrimage made up 26% of all inbound visits. 'Hosting global events like Expo 2030, Asian Games 2029, and the FIFA World Cup 2034 will be transformative,' said Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory, MENA. 'These will draw 150 million visitors and boost Saudi Arabia's profile as a top destination for culture, business and sport.' Key growth engines In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims and 35.7 million Umrah pilgrims — including 16.9 million international Umrah pilgrims, a record 25% increase from 2023. Over 252,000 hotel rooms are planned or under development in Makkah and Madinah, with 64% in 4- and 5-star categories. Mega-projects like Rua Al Haram, Rua Al Madinah, and Masar Makkah are reshaping the religious tourism landscape. 'Opening up Holy Cities to international investment is a pivotal move,' said Amar Hussain, Associate Partner – Research, KSA. 'It will inject capital, boost liquidity, and accelerate project delivery.' Also read: Saudi Arabia: Kingdom Arrests 15,928 Illegals In One Week Source Gulf News