In May 2023, Saudi Arabia declared the implementation of digital initiatives such as the replacement of the visa sticker on the passport with QR codes. A fresh Visa sticker update from the region has appeared recently. Saudi Arabia is discontinuing visa stickers for 12 nations. Here’s the scoop.
Saudi Arabia Is Scrapping Visa Stickers For These 12 Countries
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation officials have begun slowly enacting a decision to invalidate visa stamps for visitors from 12 countries.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) recently circulated a notice to all airlines on the approval of removing the stickers for employment, visit, and resident visas given by Saudi diplomatic missions in various countries.
Starting today, the programme will replace the visa sticker on your passport with an e-visa. You can view the data of the e-visa by scanning the QR code. This applies to all 12 countries listed in the implementation plan, and the specific dates for the changes are outlined in the timetable.
According to the Saudi news agency SPA, the change is part of the ministry’s automated procedures and enhancement of consular services for awarding employment, residence, and visit visas. The timetable outlines the implementation plan for 12 countries and specifies the dates for the changes listed below for each country.
Here Are The 12 Countries
- Pakistan- July 24
- Yemen-July 26
- Sudan-August 2
- Uganda-August 7
- Lebanon-August 9
- Nepal-August 14
- Turkiye-August 16
- Sri Lanka-August 21
- Kenya-August 23
- Morocco-August 28
- Thailand-August 30
- Vietnam-August 4
Also Read: Saudi Citizens Can Now Invite Their Friends On Personal Visit Visa To Perform Umrah!
Saudi Arabia Aims To Attract More Foreign Visitors
The change is part of the ministry’s automation and upgrading of consular services for awarding employment, residence, and visit visas. The practice was initially applied at Saudi missions in the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Saudi Arabia has a big group of migrant labourers. The government is attempting to diversify its oil-dependent economy and attract more foreign visitors. The number of tourists to Saudi Arabia reached 2.4 million in January and increased to 2.5 million in February, according to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb in March.
This year, the nation hopes to welcome 25 million international visitors.
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