Saudi Arabia has implemented a new e-visa system to replace old passport visa stickers. The programme, which began in May 2023, aims to digitise consular services and develop a new method of issuing work, residency, and travel visas in seven countries: Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The move comes as part of efforts to automate consular services and “develop a mechanism for granting different kinds of visas”.
| Article and Schedule Quiz | Start Test! |
Growing Tourism in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia first introduced e-visas in late 2019 to accommodate growing tourism. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to develop a visa-issuing mechanism for work permits, residence and visit visas using the latest technology. Last year, the ministry announced that visitors could apply for a “personal visit” visa to visit friends who are Saudi citizens by using the e-visa services form on its website. The visa is valid for 90 days, allowing visitors to travel throughout the kingdom, including offering prayers in the two holy cities and making Umrah.
Benefitting Seven Countries:
Saudi missions in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines can now issue electronic visas with QR codes that can be used to obtain visitor details. This initiative will allow the Saudi Foreign Ministry to digitize consular services and make visa processing more efficient. The ministry aims to streamline the process of granting work, residency, and visit visas, as part of efforts to automate consular services.
Saudi Arabia’s Plans for the Future:
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its hospitality, tourism, and travel industries to diversify its economy away from oil. By 2030, the country intends to add 315,000 new hotel rooms at a cost of $37.8 billion. Projects such as the futuristic city of Neom are leading the way in this expansion, as Saudi Arabia continues to build its reputation as a major tourist destination.
About Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is a country located in the Middle East, with a population of over 34 million people. It is ruled by a monarchy, with the King serving as the head of state and government.
Here are some key points about Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its capital:
King: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the current King of Saudi Arabia, having come to the throne in 2015 following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah. King Salman is the monarch of Saudi Arabia and wields considerable power in the country.
Prince: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the next in line for the throne and holds a significant amount of power in the country. He has implemented a number of significant reforms in the country, including allowing women to drive and relaxing strict social restrictions.
Capital: Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and is home to over 7 million people. It is the largest city in Saudi Arabia and serves as the center of government and commerce.
Religion: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the two holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina. The country is governed by strict Islamic law, and adherence to the religion is a key aspect of Saudi culture.
Economy: Saudi Arabia is the Middle East's largest economy and is primarily reliant on oil exports. In recent years, the government has undertaken steps to diversify its economy, with a focus on boosting its tourism industry.
Currency: The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SAR). The Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 USD = 3.75 SAR.
| Missiles Mock Test | Start Test! |
| SSC MTS Mock Test | Start Test |
| IBPS CLERK MOCK TEST | Start Test |
| SSC MTS 2022 JULY 26 Shift 1 (ENGLISH) | Start Test! |
| SSC GD Previous Year Paper 2021 Nov 17 Shift - I (Hindi) | Start Test! |
| SSC CGL Tier - 1 PYP 2022 April 21 Shift- 1 (ENGLISH) | Start Test! |
| MPSC PAPER I MOCK TEST 1 (ENGLISH) | Start Test! |
| IB Security Assistant Mock test 1 (english) | Start Test! |
| UP POLICE CONSTABLE MOCK TEST 1 | Start Test! |
| DELHI POLICE CONSTABLE MOCK TEST 1 (HINDI) | Start Test! |
