Visit Saudi Arabia Hassle-Free: New Tourist Visa Kiosks to Ease Entry for Travelers

Published on December 17, 2025

In a move to streamline tourism and enhance the visitor experience, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) is upgrading its self-service tourist visa kiosks at international ports of entry. This new initiative allows eligible travelers to obtain their tourist visas upon arrival, improving the efficiency of the visa application process. The system upgrade comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to attract more international visitors and support the growth of its tourism industry.

Spokesperson Nasser Al-Otaibi of the Jawazat confirmed the changes, stating that the modernization of the visa issuance system would involve the use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These technologies are designed to speed up processing times and ensure compliance with the latest visa regulations, making the process smoother for tourists entering Saudi Arabia.

A New Era for Tourist Visas in Saudi Arabia

The new visa kiosks are part of Saudi Arabia’s push to make the country more accessible to global travelers. Previously, travelers had to apply for tourist visas before arrival or wait in lengthy lines at immigration for visa processing. With the new system, tourists who are eligible can now complete their visa application through the self-service kiosks upon arrival, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.

By using advanced AI technology, these kiosks will automatically assess and verify the necessary documentation, process payments, and issue the visa on the spot, allowing visitors to bypass traditional paperwork and long queues. The goal is to make Saudi Arabia a more welcoming and tourist-friendly destination, encouraging more travelers to explore the country’s rich culture, history, and tourism offerings.

Tourism Growth and Saudi Vision 2030

The upgrade to the tourist visa system is part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenue. As part of this vision, Saudi Arabia is focusing heavily on growing its tourism industry. The kingdom has already opened its doors to international tourists with the introduction of the Saudi eVisa in 2019, which has made it easier for visitors to travel to the country.

With attractions such as the historic city of Al-Ula, the Red Sea coastline, the Kingdom Tower, and the vast desert landscapes, Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for tourists seeking adventure, history, and culture. The improvements in the visa system are expected to support the continued growth of tourism, offering travelers a more seamless entry process as they explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural treasures.

Enhanced Visitor Experience Through AI Technology

The introduction of AI-powered visa kiosks is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to incorporate technology into the tourism experience. The use of artificial intelligence ensures that the visa processing system is quick, accurate, and secure, while providing travelers with a more streamlined and modern experience.

AI systems are capable of automatically verifying travel documents, processing information faster than human counterparts, and ensuring that the visa issuance process adheres to the latest regulatory standards. This upgrade aims to reduce human error, prevent fraud, and improve overall customer satisfaction for international visitors.

Tourists can expect an efficient entry process, reducing time spent at immigration and providing more time to explore the kingdom’s offerings. The new system will also support a more sustainable tourism model by ensuring that the growing influx of visitors can be managed without compromising security or service quality.

Self-Service Kiosks at Key Entry Points

The upgraded self-service tourist visa kiosks will be introduced at several major international ports of entry across the country. This includes major airports such as King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. These airports see a high volume of international travelers and are key entry points for visitors arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, the kiosks will be installed at land border crossings to provide travelers with the same seamless entry process when entering Saudi Arabia by land. This expansion of services to multiple entry points is expected to improve overall accessibility for both tourists and business travelers.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Tourism Infrastructure

In addition to the visa system improvements, Saudi Arabia is continuing to invest in its tourism infrastructure. The government is developing new hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues in areas such as Neom, Al-Ula, and the Red Sea Project, which will offer visitors a wide variety of accommodations and experiences. The Kingdom’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly to meet the needs of international tourists, offering everything from luxury resorts to eco-friendly lodges.

Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourist attractions cater to a wide range of interests, from historical sites like the Nabataean tombs of Al-Ula to modern marvels like the Jeddah Tower, set to become the tallest building in the world. The kingdom is positioning itself as a global tourism leader with a focus on sustainable travel, cultural heritage, and luxury tourism.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia, the newly upgraded visa system will make the journey smoother and more efficient. With the self-service kiosks, visitors will be able to quickly obtain their tourist visas upon arrival, avoiding the hassle of applying in advance. As a result, tourists will enjoy more time exploring the kingdom’s vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes.

The new system will be especially beneficial for travelers on tight schedules, as it offers a quick and efficient way to pass through immigration and begin their journey. For families, groups, and solo travelers alike, this development marks a major step toward making Saudi Arabia an even more attractive destination in the global tourism market.

Booking and Availability

Travelers who are planning to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming years can take advantage of the upgraded visa system, which will be available to eligible tourists arriving at major airports and land crossings. Booking flights, accommodations, and tours can be done through various online platforms, and tourists are encouraged to book in advance to ensure smooth travel arrangements.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to the world, the new tourist visa kiosks will help facilitate a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all visitors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for tourism growth as part of Saudi Vision 2030.