SOUTH African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has warmly welcomed the introduction of the Saudi Arabia e-visa system, a move that promises to facilitate travel for South Africans seeking to explore the kingdom for leisure and tourism. Minister de Lille expressed her enthusiasm, stating that ‘I am extremely pleased with this development as South Africa also became the first African country to be added to the list. This will certainly bring immense benefits for leisure and Umrah travellers and for our efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and Saudi Arabia.’
The multi-entry e-visa is valid for one year and allows travellers to visit the Kingdom for up to 90 days at a time. Priced at 535 Saudi riyals ($142.61), it also includes comprehensive medical insurance. On the flip side, South African travellers headed to Saudi Arabia are considered part of the visa-exempt countries and can enjoy a visa-free stay for up to 90 days under the South African visa system.
Strengthening ties and expanding tourism
The Department of Tourism of South Africa has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Department, outlining joint objectives to enhance tourism between the two nations.
Minister de Lille recently embarked on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, attending the International World Tourism Day conference. During her visit, she engaged in various discussions aimed at reinforcing tourism relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabian stakeholders. These discussions involved meetings with Saudi Arabian stakeholders, including the Air Connectivity Programme team within the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Enhancing air connectivity and direct flights
The conversations revolved around actions required to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and the formulation of a joint marketing strategy to promote both destinations to travellers in both countries. Additionally, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) has announced the resumption of a direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg, commencing on December 1, 2023.
Minister de Lille emphasised, ‘During our engagements, we shared research with the Saudi Air Connectivity Team to motivate for a direct flight between Jeddah and Cape Town. The e-visa development is significant for South Africa as many Muslim citizens travel for religious purposes. Along with the direct flights, this will ease travel for many tourists, especially for religious tourism and pilgrimages.’
E-visa’s impact on tourism
The newly introduced tourist visa allows visitors to engage in various tourism-related activities, including attending events, visiting family and relatives, leisure travel, and Umrah (excluding Hajj). However, it excludes activities such as studying.
Minister de Lille reaffirmed the commitment to continue working with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, to explore innovative ways to foster tourism between the two nations. She noted, ‘This key sector is an important part of our countries’ economies and a significant job creator.’
The Saudi Arabia e-visa system marks a significant milestone in simplifying travel between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, promoting tourism, and strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
