Guyanese passport holders can now travel to Saudi Arabia without having to obtain a visa beforehand.
Previously, Guyanese were required to have a visa before travelling to the Middle Eastern country, or have a valid United States, United Kingdom or Schengen visa in order to qualify for a visa on arrival or electronic visa (e-visa).
But through strengthened bilateral relations between Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Guyanese will now benefit from the e-visa or visa on arrival without needing any prerequisites, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
See below for the full statement:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is pleased to announce that, as a consequence of the intensification of our bilateral relations and discussions between the Cooperative Rebublic of Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as in our mutual interest in expanding and advancing our cooperation in trade and economic partnerships and investment, tourism, etc., as well as the strengthening of our bilateral relations centred on people-to-people contact, Guyana is now the only country in South America whose passport holders can enter Saudi Arabia with a visa on arrival or an electronic (e-) visa, devoid of needing a US, UK or Schengen visa in their passport.
It is observed that, previously, a provision existed for Guyanese passport holders to have a valid US, UK or Schengen visa to qualify for the Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. That requirement is no longer needed.
Consequently, this makes travelling from Guyana to Saudi Arabia much easier—whether you’re travelling for Umrah, tourism, visiting family or friends, or simply visiting Saudi Arabia for any other purpose.
In addition, this privilege precludes the necessity to go through an agent or visit an Embassy. Guyanese only need their Guyanese Passports and the required visa fee/payment, for which they could apply for the e-visa or obtain the visa on arrival.
This recent development is very symbolic and bodes well for the further fostering, promotion and consolidation of our bilateral relationship.
The Government of Guyana is determined and has been making concerted efforts in order to enhance features on Guyana’s Machine Readable Passports, consistent with satisfying global standards and requirements, and will continue in these endeavours.
Source: INews Guyana
