Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient heritage, sweeping deserts, and futuristic cities, has revolutionized its visa system to welcome international travelers.

The Saudi Visa Portal now offers streamlined processes, making it easier than ever to explore this once-exclusive destination. Here’s your comprehensive guide to securing a visa and embarking on an Arabian adventure.

Saudi Arabia’s Visa Reforms: A New Era for Tourism

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has dismantled barriers to tourism, introducing user-friendly visa options to attract visitors from 63 eligible countries, including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, and Japan. From the rose-red ruins of Al-Ula to the pristine beaches of the Red Sea, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for cultural, business, and leisure travelers.

Visa Options for Every Traveler

1. Tourist eVisa
   • Americas: United States, Canada
   • Europe: All Schengen Area countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain), United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, Andorra, Malta, Monaco, San Marino
   • Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Kazakhstan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Thailand
   • Middle East & Africa: UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Morocco, Seychelles, Mauritius
   • Others: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, South Africa
• Eligibility: Available to citizens of 63 countries, including:
• Validity: Multiple entries over 1 year, with stays up to 90 days per visit.
• Process: Apply online via the portal, upload a passport photo and bio page, pay SAR 535 (≈$143), and receive approval within 5-30 minutes.
• Perks: Includes mandatory health insurance.
2. Visa on Arrival
• Available to GCC residents (UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar) and eligible nationals not covered by the eVisa program. Obtainable at Saudi airports with proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
3. Transit Visa
• Stopover travelers from any nationality can stay up to 96 hours with a valid onward ticket.
4. Business & Family Visit Visas
• Require invitation letters from Saudi hosts or employers.

How to Apply for the Tourist eVisa

1. Visit the Portal: Click here to access.
2. Complete the Form: Enter personal details, travel plans, and passport information.
3. Upload Documents: Passport bio page (6+ months validity) and a recent photo.
4. Pay Fees: Credit/debit card payment.
5. Receive eVisa: Delivered via email; print a copy for border control.

Key Requirements & Tips

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
• Health Insurance: Included with eVisa; verify coverage for COVID-19 if required.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly, respect prayer times, and avoid public displays of affection.
• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, pork products, and religious materials contrary to Islam.

Why Visit Saudi Arabia?

1. Cultural Gems: Explore UNESCO sites like Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) and Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state.
2. Natural Wonders: Dive in the Red Sea, hike the Asir Mountains, or camp under starry desert skies.
3. Urban Marvels: Experience Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District and Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad.
4. Festivals: Attend Riyadh Season or the Al-Ula Arts Festival for a taste of local culture.

Final Tips for Travelers

• Check Eligibility: Confirm your country’s status on the official visa portal.
• Plan Ahead: Apply at least 72 hours before travel to avoid delays.
• Stay Informed: Policies may change; always verify details on the portal.

Saudi Arabia’s visa reforms mark a bold step toward becoming a global tourism hub. With simplified processes and diverse attractions—from ancient archaeology to cutting-edge innovation—the Kingdom invites travelers from 63 countries to uncover its secrets.

Pack your bags, secure your eVisa, and prepare for a journey through the heart of Arabia.

Note: The full list of eligible countries is subject to change. Verify your eligibility and requirements on the official portal before applying. 

India’s budget airline powerhouse, IndiGo, is making bold moves to expand its international presence, with the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah starting May 15. This milestone makes Fujairah IndiGo’s fifth UAE destination and its 41st international route, strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint across the Middle East.

To enhance connectivity beyond Fujairah, IndiGo will also offer dedicated bus services linking Fujairah with Dubai and Sharjah—adding to its existing UAE network that includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

“As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE, these new flights will further enhance regional connectivity,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

Wider Horizons: Dreamliners and Europe-Bound Ambitions
The Fujairah announcement comes as part of a broader international expansion push by the airline. On Friday, IndiGo revealed it is increasing its wide-body fleet by acquiring two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, adding to an existing damp-lease agreement that already includes four aircraft.

Currently, one Dreamliner (registration LN-FNC) has been flying under IndiGo’s banner since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed later this year. The two newly announced aircraft are expected to join the fleet by early 2026, with the lease potentially extending to 18 months, pending regulatory approval.

These long-haul aircraft will play a pivotal role in IndiGo’s upcoming routes to Europe, including new services to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol set to launch in July 2025. The airline will initially operate these routes using Norse aircraft before transitioning to its own fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is expected in 2027.

With growing momentum in both regional and long-haul markets, IndiGo’s latest moves signal a clear intention: to elevate itself from a domestic leader to a formidable global player.

Riyadh Air is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans, having recently secured 11 strategic agreements during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These partnerships will allow the airline to extend its operations to 125 countries, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Collaborations with established entities such as DNATA, Discover the World Momentum, Aviareps, and Satguru Representation Services aim to enhance the airline's global footprint and streamline travel experiences for customers.

Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, stated that these agreements reflect the airline's commitment to becoming a true global player. “These partnerships will push the boundaries of travel for our guests and reinforce our determination to offer exceptional service,” he noted.

The focus will be on improving customer experiences across key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and Africa, showcasing the rich hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, Riyadh Air is also focused on technological innovation. The airline has partnered with Loyalty Juggernaut to develop a next-generation loyalty program, which will utilize advanced analytics to deliver personalized rewards and engagement opportunities for travelers. This initiative is aimed at fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall satisfaction.

Furthermore, Riyadh Air is working with major travel technology distributors like Amadeus and Sabre to implement cutting-edge retail solutions that will streamline the booking process. These technological advancements are intended to modernize the airline's digital strategy and improve the overall customer journey.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural flight later this year, it plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and significantly boost the tourism sector.

The establishment of Riyadh as a major global aviation hub is expected to attract millions of visitors, contributing to economic growth and positioning the country as a vital player in the international travel market.

In summary, Riyadh Air is poised to transform the landscape of air travel with its extensive partnerships and innovative strategies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.

Qatar Airways is ramping up its transcontinental reach, unveiling major expansions to its North and South American routes this summer. The airline will boost its service to Toronto, Canada and São Paulo, Brazil in response to surging demand for international travel.

Starting June 19, Toronto will see an increase to five weekly flights, with plans for daily service by winter. Just days later, on June 25, São Paulo frequencies will rise to 17 flights per week, enhancing the airline’s footprint in South America’s largest city.

Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the strong passenger response since the carrier’s launch at Toronto Pearson Airport in December 2024. “We proudly announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience,” Antinori said.

With Toronto emerging as a vital entry point for Canadian travelers, Qatar Airways’ expanded schedule aims to bolster connectivity to Doha and onward destinations, especially ahead of the busy winter season.

In the south, São Paulo’s status as a strategic hub for both business and leisure is being reinforced. “These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport,” Antinori noted, referencing the Doha-based hub recently crowned World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2025.

Travelers will also benefit from continued access to 55 Latin American destinations through the airline’s partnership with LATAM Airlines, offering smooth onward journeys to cities like Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago de Chile, and Rio de Janeiro.

With its latest boost in flight frequencies, Qatar Airways is positioning itself as a premier bridge between the Middle East and the Americas — just in time for a global summer of travel.

 Emirates is strengthening its footprint in China with the launch of daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, marking a strategic expansion into one of Eastern China's key economic hubs.

Starting July 30, subject to government approval, the Dubai-based airline will begin servicing Hangzhou daily, bringing its total number of gateways into mainland China to five. The new route adds to Emirates’ existing operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

With this latest addition, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to China — including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now, Hangzhou.

The move comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to report robust demand from China, currently transporting around 2,000 tons of cargo weekly. The airline confirms that all routes into the country are operating at full capacity, reflecting the strong rebound in freight movement even as passenger traffic has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Beyond cargo, the new Hangzhou service is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers heading to or from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The flight schedule is designed to offer smooth two-way connections to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, and 11 in the Middle East, including major cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Earlier this year, Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch flights to Shenzhen, underlining its commitment to China’s vast and dynamic aviation market. Industry analysts say this latest expansion signals the airline’s confidence in the long-term potential of Chinese outbound travel — and its determination to be at the forefront of that growth.