Saudi Arabia has recently unveiled a new initiative called ‘KSA Visa,’ a unified platform aimed at simplifying the visa application process.
The primary objective is to make it easier for individuals to apply for various types of visas, such as those for Hajj, Umrah, tourism, and work.
The announcement was made by Abdulhadi Almansouri, the Assistant Minister for Executive Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the Digital Government Forum (DGF) held in Riyadh.
The ‘GOV.SA’ platform, an integral part of this initiative, is a smart search engine that offers users quick access to information about available visas.
It serves as a central reference point for understanding the requirements associated with different types of visas and guides applicants through the application process.The platform includes an updated personal file for visitors, facilitating visa applications and reapplications in the future.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to boost tourism, especially following the launch of new tourist destinations.
The country has set an ambitious target of attracting 150 million visits annually by the year 2030. To achieve this, the KSA Visa platform links more than 30 government agencies, ministries, and private sector entities to automate and streamline visa issuance procedures.
The ‘GOV.SA’ platform is not only expected to enhance the efficiency of the visa application process but also contribute to the overall visitor experience.
Saudi Arabia has been proactive in its efforts to digitize visa issuance, reducing the time for digital visas to be issued to just 60 seconds. In 2023 alone, the country issued over 18.6 million visas and collaborated with 56 countries in the digitization journey.
The launch of the KSA Visa platform comes at a time when the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is working towards introducing a unified Gulf tourist visa. This decision was approved during the Doha Summit held in November.
Saudi Arabia’s move is not only a national initiative but also aligns with regional efforts to streamline visa processes and encourage tourism.
In terms of economic goals, Saudi Arabia aims to increase tourism spending to SR289 billion by 2024. Additionally, the tourism sector is expected to create more job opportunities, aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
The Digital Government Forum, where this announcement was made, serves as a platform to discuss and measure the progress of digital transformation initiatives in the country.
According to Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, the Governor of the Digital Government Authority, this digital transformation journey is crucial in enhancing the efficiency of government services and improving the overall quality of life for citizens, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
