Saudi Arabia Welcomes Global Travelers with Expanded Visa-on-Arrival Policy in Summer 2025
Saudi Arabia is transforming its travel and tourism landscape with a groundbreaking update to its visa-on-arrival (VoA) policy. As of summer 2025, the Kingdom now allows travelers holding valid visas or residency permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries to obtain a visa on arrival at designated international airports. This major policy shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 economic diversification plan and aims to position the country as a leading global destination for tourism and religious travel.
This extensive guide explores the implications of this new VoA policy, how it benefits travelers, the tourism industry, and what it means for the future of spiritual and cultural experiences in the Kingdom.
Understanding Saudi Arabia's New Visa-on-Arrival Policy
The expanded visa-on-arrival policy enables eligible travelers to enter Saudi Arabia without applying for a visa in advance. Previously, most travelers had to secure a tourist or pilgrimage visa through consular services or the electronic visa portal. The 2025 policy update offers immediate access to tourists and religious visitors arriving from countries whose residents already hold valid travel credentials with the US, UK, or Schengen zone.
Eligible Travelers Include:
Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas
Residents of the United States, United Kingdom, or any Schengen country
Travelers arriving at approved international airports in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina
The move streamlines entry procedures, reduces administrative barriers, and is expected to significantly increase inbound tourism during the peak summer season and beyond.
Vision 2030 and the Push for Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is a comprehensive reform strategy aimed at reducing the Kingdom's dependency on oil and enhancing sectors like tourism, entertainment, and hospitality. Central to this vision is the goal to welcome 150 million annual visitors by the year 2030.
Key Tourism Investments Under Vision 2030:
NEOM: A $500 billion smart city on the Red Sea coast
The Red Sea Project: A luxury resort destination focused on sustainable tourism
AlUla: Restoration of ancient Nabatean sites and open-air cultural museums
Diriyah Gate: An urban heritage district celebrating Saudi history
The expanded VoA policy supports this vision by easing access for tourists and Umrah pilgrims, enabling seamless travel experiences and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism powerhouse.
Boosting Summer 2025 Tourism Traffic
Traditionally, summer has been a quieter season for travel to Saudi Arabia due to high temperatures. However, modern infrastructure, air-conditioned indoor attractions, and coastline developments are changing the narrative. The VoA policy helps catalyze this shift by making entry easier for:
Families planning heritage and leisure vacations
Expats seeking short religious getaways
Travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia on long-haul flights
Saudi Arabia is also introducing competitive airline stopover packages, allowing travelers to explore the Kingdom on 96-hour transit visas.
Opening the Doors to Spiritual Tourism
One of the most impactful changes from the new policy is the inclusion of Umrah travel. Visitors can now perform Umrah without a traditional pilgrimage visa, using a tourist visa or even a transit visa, which greatly simplifies the process.
Umrah Travel via Tourist Visa:
This accessibility democratizes spiritual travel, giving Muslims around the world more flexibility to perform Umrah on their terms.
Entry Requirements and Traveler Guidelines
While the policy simplifies access, travelers must still meet certain criteria to qualify for the visa-on-arrival:
Basic Requirements:
Passport with at least 6 months validity
Valid US, UK, or Schengen visa/residency
Round-trip ticket confirmation
Hotel booking or accommodation address
Travel health insurance (can be purchased online or at arrival)
Meningitis vaccination certificate for those performing Umrah
Visa Fee:
Impact on the Travel Industry
The hospitality and aviation industries are poised to benefit significantly from this change:
For Airlines:
For Hoteliers and Tour Operators:
Surge in last-minute bookings and short-term stays
Development of niche travel packages, including Umrah + leisure combos
For Local Businesses:
The policy also encourages digital transformation, with streamlined e-visa processing, QR-code verification, and real-time traveler data integration with immigration systems.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Saudi Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s visa-on-arrival policy expansion marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward becoming a world-class travel destination. It sends a clear message: the Kingdom is open, welcoming, and ready to host the world. Whether you're a spiritual traveler on a pilgrimage, an adventure-seeker drawn to the Arabian desert, or a global nomad in search of ancient wonders, Saudi Arabia invites you to discover its rich tapestry of tradition, hospitality, and innovation.
Final Tips for Travelers:
Check eligibility before departure via official Saudi eVisa or consulate websites
Book accommodations and flights early, especially around religious seasons
Stay informed on health and vaccination requirements
Use official apps and travel portals to navigate entry requirements and itinerary planning
With borders opening wider than ever, summer 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s evolving landscape—where history meets modernity, and every visitor is part of a grand cultural narrative.
Ready to experience Saudi Arabia? Start planning your journey with Cityone Tours today with confidence, simplicity, and inspiration.