Saudi Arabia to Introduce Special Visa for World Expo 2030
Riyadh aims to streamline visitor entry with a dedicated Expo 2030 visa, mirroring the successful Hayya Card model used during Qatar’s FIFA World Cup. The event is set to showcase Saudi Arabia’s modernization under Vision 2030.
Selected as host city last November, Riyad and Saudi Arabia are rolling out the red carpet to welcome World Expo 2030, an event expected to draw millions of visitors. To ease their arrival, the Saudi government plans to introduce a dedicated visa, similar to the one launched for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with the Hayya Card.
World Expo 2030: A showcase of Saudi Arabia’s modernization push
World Expo 2030 presents Saudi Arabia with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase its progress in modernization and economic diversification under Vision 2030. The goal is clear: to emerge as a leading global player in tourism, sport, and other modern sectors. The timing aligns with a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s plan to fully diversify its economy by 2030.
Massive investment: Saudi authorities confirmed the country won the bid to host World Expo 2030, defeating Italy and South Korea. Nearly $8 billion will be poured into transforming Riyad into a sprawling event hub spanning 6.6 km².
Expected attendance: The country estimates the six-month exhibition will attract up to 40 million visitors from around the world eager to explore the latest in technology, culture, and environmental innovation.
New national airline: Saudi Arabia will also launch a new national carrier to connect Expo sites and other tourist destinations before the event.
A dedicated visa modeled after Qatar’s Hayya Card
To smooth the arrival of millions of visitors, a push is underway for a special World Expo 2030 visa. Modeled after the Hayya Card used during Qatar’s FIFA World Cup and last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, this initiative could eventually evolve into a unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visa scheme.
Simplified entry: A dedicated visa would allow seamless passage from aircraft to expo grounds, including access to metro and other public transport.
Boosted tourism: Travelers coming specifically for Expo 2030 may be encouraged to extend their stay and explore other Saudi attractions.
Economic impact forecast
As precedents like the UAE’s recent world fair show, Expo 2030 is poised to deliver substantial economic dividends for Saudi Arabia:
Major revenue inflows: Over 20 years, the event could generate as much as $33 billion in direct spending across hotels, business services, and more.
Real-estate surge: Expo preparations are expected to fuel construction and real-estate growth, including new hotels and infrastructure tailored to international visitors.
World Expo 2030 is just one of Saudi Arabia’s marquee events. In 2029 the kingdom will also host the Asian Winter Games in Trojena, another chance for the country to shine on the global stage.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
