Saudi Arabia Expands eVisa to 66 Countries, Excludes Kenya and Most of Africa

Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa programme to include travellers from 66 countries. 

Announced by Visit Saudi on 7 July, the move allows eligible visitors to apply online for a one-year multiple-entry visa instead of using the traditional embassy application process. The eVisa permits visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days in total over a one-year period. It can be used for tourism, family visits, attending cultural events, and performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.

It does not cover study programmes or travel for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which remains subject to separate visa requirements. The list of eligible countries includes only three African nations: Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa. Travellers from other African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, must continue to apply through Saudi embassies.

The embassy process is generally more time-consuming and involves additional administrative requirements. Most of the eligible countries are in Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania. Citizens of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and Australia can now use the online application system. 

The expansion forms part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to grow tourism, culture and entertainment while reducing the country's reliance on oil revenue. The limited number of eligible African countries reflects the selective nature of the programme. 

While the eVisa makes travel easier for many visitors, travellers from most African countries remain outside the scheme and must continue to use the standard visa application process. Japan has also confirmed its visa exemption programme for citizens of 74 countries and territories. 

Eligible visitors can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays, with the permitted length of stay depending on nationality. Citizens of Indonesia and Thailand may stay for up to 15 days, while most visitors from Europe and North America can remain for up to 90 days.

Only three African countries, Lesotho, Mauritius and Tunisia, are included in Japan's visa exemption programme. Citizens of most other African countries must continue to obtain a visa before travelling.