Cruise Lines Now Offer Electronic Visas for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s new e-visa system makes cruise stops easier for international travelers. Discover how the kingdom is opening its doors wider to global tourism.
Are you considering a cruise to an exceptional destination? If so, you should seriously consider Saudi Arabia. In an effort to diversify its economy in the medium and long term, the Saudi authorities are heavily investing in the tourism sector. Even better, an electronic visa service has been launched to facilitate entry into the kingdom for foreign cruise passengers. Here’s everything you need to know about the new process.
Saudi Arabia: the kingdom opens up further to tourism
After a period of restricted access due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia reopened its borders to tourism on 29 September 2021. Recognizing the significant economic impact of the sector, the government has moved to simplify access for travelers visiting the country for leisure purposes.
In the first half of 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an e-visa program. This enables cruise passengers disembarking in Saudi ports to obtain an electronic entry permit quickly and efficiently.
To secure this entry authorization, cruise visitors simply need to visit the ministry’s online platform, submit their request, and provide proof of cruise ticket purchase. This streamlined process is part of a broader strategy to boost the country’s economic growth through tourism. To support this vision, the Saudi government plans to invest €177 billion (the equivalent of USD 200 billion) in the sector.
The kingdom is also targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, aiming to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP by at least 10%. These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s resolve to diversify its economy and become a major global tourist destination.
Maritime activities: a catalyst for tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
According to Captain Hassan al-Asmari, director of the Red Sea Operations Center (RSOC) in Jeddah, these initiatives are part of the Vision 2030 reform agenda spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — the kingdom’s second-highest-ranking official after his father, King Salman bin Abdelaziz.
To realize Vision 2030, several major projects are under way. Earlier this year, Prince Mugrin University signed an agreement with Cruise Saudi — a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund — to train Saudi students in cruise-line operations, hospitality, and tourism management. The goal is to develop local expertise in maritime expeditions, hospitality, and related fields, which will help generate jobs as new tourism infrastructure is built across the kingdom through 2035.
As part of the tourism growth strategy, the national airline Saudia has also entered into an agreement with Cruise Saudi and international cruise operator MSC Cruises. The deal includes the reservation of 20,000 seats on Saudia flights for tourists from North America and Europe traveling to Jeddah, making access easier and supporting the kingdom’s cruise tourism ambitions.
Meanwhile, teams at the Red Sea Operations Center continue to process license applications, enabling tourism vessels to enter Saudi waters and dock at designated ports.
