Saudi Arabia Expands Tourist Visa to Kosovo & Guyana: Plus New Jawazat Passport Rules
Saudi Arabia has expanded its tourist visa programme to include citizens of Kosovo and Guyana via online eVisa or visa on arrival. Additionally, Jawazat clarified that first-time passports need no activation, while renewed passports must be verified with the old passport at any passport office or border.
WORLD NEWS
Aagahi Hub
10/7/20262 min read
Saudi Arabia is taking another major step in opening its doors to international travelers and simplifying travel procedures. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially expanded its tourist visa initiative to include citizens from Kosovo and Guyana.
In addition to expanding global tourism access, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has issued clear guidelines regarding passport activation and verification for Saudi citizens.
This guide breaks down what the new tourist visa expansion means for travelers, how to apply for the Saudi eVisa, and the latest updates on Saudi passport activation procedures.
Saudi Tourist Visa Expanded to Kosovo and Guyana
As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to diversify its economy and welcome global visitors, citizens of Kosovo and Guyana can now easily apply for a Saudi tourist visa.
How Can Citizens Apply?
Eligible travelers from these two nations can obtain their travel permit in two convenient ways:
Online eVisa: Submit an electronic application through the official portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) prior to travel.
Visa on Arrival: Request a tourist visa directly upon landing at designated airports, seaports, or land borders across Saudi Arabia.
What Activities Does the Tourist Visa Cover?
The Saudi tourist visa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit.
Holders can use this visa for a wide range of leisure and personal activities, including:
Attending cultural events, concerts, and sports tournaments.
Participating in international business exhibitions and conferences.
Performing Umrah pilgrimages (excluding the official Hajj season).
Vacationing, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends residing in the Kingdom.
Important Clarification on Saudi Passport Activation Rules (Jawazat Update)
Along with the visa announcement, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) provided key instructions regarding the activation of Saudi passports:
1. First-Time Passports
Citizens receiving a Saudi passport for the very first time do not require any physical activation step before traveling. The passport is active and ready for use immediately upon delivery.
2. Renewed Passports
For Saudi citizens who have renewed an existing passport, verification is mandatory:
Citizens must present their previous (old) passport for physical inspection and get their new passport activated.
This check can be completed at any regional passport office, branch location, or international port of entry (airports or borders).
No Prior Appointment Required: Jawazat confirmed that citizens do not need to schedule an online appointment beforehand to complete passport verification.
Citizens should also verify their updated document status online through their Absher platform account.
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