JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it had reinstated the visa on arrival program that allows holders of valid visas from the US, UK and Schengen area to enter the country. This step comes two weeks after the Kingdom lifted all restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Countries that allow their citizens to enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa include the US, Canada, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Ukraine, the UK, Switzerland, San Marino, Spain, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Nationals of the aforementioned countries holding one of the three visas, traveling through Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal airlines can obtain a 12-month tourist visa upon arrival in the Kingdom, without the need to submit an application in advance. Holders of a valid visa to the US, UK or Schengen area must use it at least once to enter the area where the visa was issued, before entering Saudi Arabia. The visa upon arrival is available for residents of states qualified for the e-visa program which was launched in 2019, and all visitors must have medical insurance for COVID risks, which can be obtained from all airports across the Kingdom upon arrival. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “Today, the Kingdom is among the most accessible destinations in the world for tourism, work and Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage, which will promote accelerated growth in the tourism sector and provide job and investment opportunities.” He renewed the invitation for all visitors and tourists from across the world, to enjoy the treasures of Saudi tourism, from destinations, landmarks, culture, heritage, generosity and hospitality the Saudi community is known for.