Saudi Arabia has announced a major change in the tourist visa applications with regard to the residents of GCC countries. Under the new amendment, GCC residents and even their first-degree relatives can apply for a tourist visa for the kingdom, regardless of their occupation.

Previously, the kingdom only issued e-visas to GCC residents whose occupations were on the approved list.

Under the new rules, GCC residents can enter the kingdom with an electronic tourist visa obtained by registering through the “Visit Saudi” platform, as long as their residence permit is valid for at least three months and their passports have at least six months remaining.

This also applies to first-degree relatives traveling with the resident and domestic helpers arriving with their sponsor.

The decision to allow those who wish to enter the kingdom, without limiting this to specific occupations, is part of an effort by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to offer all residents of the GCC opportunity to visit various tourist attractions in the kingdom as well as participate in entertainments. event, and learn about its legacy. “Applying for a Saudi Arabia visa is now easier, more convenient and more direct for residents of GCC countries, regardless of occupation,” Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted shortly after the ministry’s announcement.

The ministry said the important amendments include expanding eligibility categories and providing more options for those looking to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism. Tourists can also perform Umrah except Hajj season.

This is the latest in a series of announcements in the Saudi tourism ecosystem aimed at attracting tourists in the region and providing more activities for visitors from the GCC countries.

In January, the kingdom introduced a new free transit visa that allows passengers to stopover in the country for up to four days.

Last year, the Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority launched the Nusuk platform in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The kingdom’s first officially integrated digital platform, Nusuk, provides all pilgrims and visitors with an easy-to-use planning portal for their journey to Mecca and Medina, and more than that.