Guyanese can now get Saudi visa on arrival without U.S, U.K. or Schengen visa

(Kaieteur News) – Guyanese passport holders can now travel to Saudi Arabia and obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) without first having a valid U.S., U.K. or Schengen visa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the development on Saturday, describing it as a significant outcome of strengthening bilateral relations between Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd

Previously, Guyanese travellers seeking a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival were required to hold a valid U.S, U.K. or Schengen visa in their passports. That requirement has now been removed.

The change is expected to make travel between Guyana and Saudi Arabia easier for persons travelling for Umrah, tourism, family visits and other purposes.

According to the Ministry, Guyanese travellers will no longer need to use an agent or visit a Saudi Embassy to access the facility. They will only need their valid Guyanese passport and the applicable visa fee to apply for the e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival.

The Ministry said Guyana is now the only country in South America whose passport holders enjoy this facility.

It described the development as symbolic of the growing relationship between the two countries and said it would further promote people-to-people contact while expanding cooperation in trade, economic partnerships, investment and tourism.

The Ministry also said the Government is continuing efforts to enhance features of Guyana’s machine-readable passports in keeping with global standards and requirements.

Source: Kaieteur News