Hongkongers to enjoy visa-on-arrival access to Saudi Arabia from Wednesday

Hong Kong passport holders will enjoy visa-on-arrival access to Saudi Arabia through six designated control points starting Wednesday, the city leader has announced.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday the period of visa-free stay for Saudi nationals in Hong Kong would be extended from 30 to 90 days, effective from Wednesday.

“[The new policy] means Hong Kong passport holders can benefit from the convenience of visa-on-arrival or visa-free treatments when visiting all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,” he announced before a meeting with the city’s top decision-making Executive Council.

He did not specify the designated ports of the Middle East kingdom where on-arrival visas would be available, and said the Immigration Department would provide more information later on Tuesday.

There are two types of Saudi tourist visas that Hongkongers are eligible for: a single-entry visa for a maximum stay of 30 days, and a multiple-entry visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Currently, Hong Kong residents need to apply for a visa online before departing for Saudi Arabia. The multiple-entry visa remains valid for one year, and each stay must not exceed 90 days.