By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has commended the opening of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa system to South Africans.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently expanded its visitor e-Visa program to include travelers from eight additional countries, South Africa being the first African nation to join this list.
This expansion promises substantial benefits for leisure and Umrah travelers and aims to foster tourism growth between South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
De Lille recently visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen tourism relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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,” de Lille said.
The multi-entry eVisa is valid for one year and allows travellers to visit the Kingdom for up to 90 days at a time. It costs 535 Saudi riyals, which includes medical insurance.
The tourist visa allows travellers to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.
In terms of the South African visa system, travellers from Saudi Arabia are part of the visa exempt countries and do not require a visa to travel to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days.
De Lille said Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an attractive tourist destination and is a key partner in department’s efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and the rest of the world.
The Department of Tourism has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi ‘Tourism Department which outlines their joint objectives to grow tourism between the two countries.
Saudi Arabian Airlines has further announced the recommencement of a direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting on 1 December 2023.
De Lille added that South Africa will continue working with its counterparts in Saudi Arabia, through the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb to look at new and innovative ways to grow tourism between the two countries, as “this key sector is an important part of our countries’ economies and a key job creator”.