Saudi Arabia adds Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia to tourist visa list
Saudi Arabia now permits citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia to apply for tourist e‑visas, visa‑on‑arrival and transit visas. The change was announced on 5 November 2026 and applies to travelers from those four nations.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Four new nationalities can use e‑visa, visa‑on‑arrival and transit options
- Timing
- Announced 5 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism
- Takes effect
- 5 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Before this announcement, citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia were not eligible for Saudi Arabia’s tourist visa programme.
- New rule
- The four countries are now eligible for electronic tourist visas, visa‑on‑arrival, and transit/stopover visas, subject to standard eligibility requirements.
Announcement and Scope
On 5 November 2026 the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Tourism announced that citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia are now included in the Kingdom’s tourist visa programme. The decision is part of a broader effort to simplify entry and boost international tourism.
Visa Options and Conditions
Eligible travelers can apply online for a tourist e‑visa, eliminating the need for paper applications. In addition, visa‑on‑arrival facilities are now available at designated entry points, provided the applicant meets the usual eligibility criteria. Transit and stopover visa categories have also been extended to these nationalities, allowing short‑term stays for leisure, religious visits or family meetings.
- Electronic visa applications are submitted through the Saudi e‑visa portal
- Visa‑on‑arrival is granted at participating airports and land borders
- Transit and stopover visas require compliance with specific entry conditions
Validity, Stay Limits and Restrictions
The tourist e‑visa remains valid for one year from the date of issue, permitting multiple entries unless the individual visa states otherwise. Each visit may not exceed three months, and the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date. Employment is still prohibited, and Umrah can only be performed outside the official Hajj season.
Extensions of the tourist visa are not permitted after issuance, so travelers must plan the length of their stay within the approved period.
- Visa validity: one year, multiple entries allowed
- Maximum stay per visit: three months
- Passport must have six‑month remaining validity
- No paid employment permitted on a tourist visa
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers from the four new countries can now book trips using the online e‑visa system.
- Visa‑on‑arrival offers a backup option for last‑minute travel plans.
Cost and documents
- The e‑visa fee and required documents remain unchanged for eligible applicants.
- A passport with at least six months validity is still mandatory.
What you need to do
- Submit an online e‑visa application before departure if preferred.
- Check eligibility criteria for visa‑on‑arrival at the chosen entry point.
- Verify that the passport meets the six‑month validity rule.
Who this affects
-
Mexican citizens
Mexico is one of the four nations added to the tourist visa programme.
What to do Apply for an e‑visa or use visa‑on‑arrival, meeting standard eligibility requirements.
-
Serbian citizens
Serbia is included in the expanded eligibility list.
What to do Use the online portal or visa‑on‑arrival, ensuring passport validity.
-
Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens
The country is now eligible for Saudi tourist visas.
What to do Follow the same application procedures as other eligible nationals.
-
North Macedonian citizens
North Macedonia is part of the newly added nationalities.
What to do Submit an e‑visa request or obtain visa‑on‑arrival where permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Which new countries can get a Saudi tourist e‑visa?
Citizens of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia are now eligible for Saudi Arabia’s tourist e‑visa, visa‑on‑arrival and transit visas.
When did the Saudi visa expansion become effective?
The expansion was announced on 5 November 2026 and the new eligibility applies from that date.
Can I still apply for a paper visa after the expansion?
The announcement adds electronic and visa‑on‑arrival options; traditional paper applications remain available only where previously required.
What is the maximum stay allowed on the new tourist visa?
Each visit under the tourist visa may last up to three months, even though the visa itself is valid for one year.
Are there any new activities permitted for the expanded visa holders?
The visa continues to allow leisure, entertainment, conference attendance, family visits and Umrah outside the Hajj season, with no change to employment restrictions.
Do I need a different passport validity for the new visa categories?
No, the requirement stays the same: passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended entry date.
