Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country located in the Middle East, known for its rich cultural heritage and significant economic influence, primarily due to its vast oil reserves. Recently, Saudi Arabia has been making headlines for its growing outbound travel sector. According to the Henley Passport Power Index, Saudi Arabia’s passport ranks 99th globally, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries.
According to the Henley Passport Power Index’s July update, Saudi Arabia ranked 99th in the economic index, highlighting its strong global mobility. The Economic Mobility Score, which measures visa-free access to global GDP, stands at 15.94%. Saudi Arabia contributes to 1.098% of the global GDP, and Saudi Arabia passport holders have visa-free access to 88 destinations out of 226, covering 39% of the world. This ranking underscores the significant travel privileges enjoyed by Saudi Arabian citizens, facilitating easier and more flexible international travel.
Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief of TTW, remarked: “The landscape of Saudi Arabian outbound travel and tourism is evolving rapidly, driven by a growing number of Saudis exploring international destinations. In the Henley Passport Power Index’s latest update, Saudi Arabia ranked 99th, reflecting the expansive reach of the Saudi passport, which offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries, including popular destinations like the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Egypt. Major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam offer a compelling mix of historical sites, modern architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene, attracting tourists from around the globe. The appeal of these urban centers is complemented by Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives under Vision 2030, further enhancing its status as a burgeoning travel hub. Popular destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Turkey significantly contribute to this growth, reflecting the diverse preferences of Saudi travelers. The economic impact of tourism on the Saudi economy is substantial, with the sector playing a crucial role in employment and overall economic health. The Economic Mobility Score, which measures visa-free access to global GDP, highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing global mobility, GDP growth rate, and robust tourism sector.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry Overview
The Kingdom’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP estimated to surpass 4%, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabian Passport Holders
Saudi Arabian passport holders enjoy extensive travel freedom, thanks to the strength of their passports. They can travel to these countries visa-free :
- Albania
- Angola
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (SAR China)
- Iran
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- Oman
- Panama
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
Countries with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Certain countries require to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entry. Some of these destinations include:
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- Sri Lanka
Countries with Visa On Arrival (VOA)
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Brunei
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Cook Islands
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Palau Islands
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Yemen
Saudi Arabia Outbound Tourism Statistics in 2023
Outbound tourism from Saudi Arabia recorded a 37 percent increase in the number of tourists, along with a 74 percent increase in spending compared to the first half of 2022. This growth is attributed to the lifting of global travel restrictions and the onset of the summer season. Non-Saudi residents represented 45 percent of all outbound tourists, marking a 24 percent increase from the previous year, and their spending accounted for 66 percent of total outbound expenditure. The average length of stay for non-Saudi outbound tourists extended from 19.3 nights in the first half of 2022 to 45.5 nights in 2023, resulting in a 109 percent increase in their spending.
Saudi outbound tourists primarily visited neighboring countries, showing a 49 percent increase in numbers and a 32 percent rise in spending. However, the average spending per night for Saudis decreased from 599 Saudi Riyals (US$160) in 2022 to 332 Saudi Riyals (US$88) in 2023.
Popular Destinations for Saudi Arabian Tourists
The top ten outbound destinations from Saudi Arabia include:
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Turkey
- United Kingdom (UK)
- India
- United States (USA)
- Malaysia
GDP Growth Rate and Tourism
Travel and tourism were expected to have a contribution of about 6.5 percent of the GDP of Saudi Arabia in 2022. It was forecasted that the contribution of tourism to the Saudi economy would continue to grow to reach about 635 billion Saudi riyals by 2032.
Saudi Arabia Airports and Top Airlines
Major Airports in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s strategic location and booming tourism industry have led to the development of several world-class airports. These airports serve as crucial gateways for international and domestic travel, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global travel hub.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
- Location: Jeddah
- Overview: As one of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport is a major hub for international and domestic flights. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including a new terminal designed to handle increased passenger traffic.
- Special Features: The airport is renowned for its Hajj Terminal, which is specifically designed to handle the influx of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
- Location: Riyadh
- Overview: Serving the capital city, King Khalid International Airport is a key player in Saudi Arabia’s air travel network. It offers extensive international and domestic flight options and has undergone significant upgrades to enhance passenger experience.
- Special Features: The airport is known for its modern architecture and comprehensive amenities, including VIP lounges and numerous dining and shopping options.
King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
- Location: Dammam
- Overview: Located in the Eastern Province, King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in the world by land area. It serves as a vital connection point for travelers in the region.
- Special Features: The airport boasts luxurious facilities and extensive parking areas, catering to both commercial and private aviation needs.
Top Airlines in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s airlines are pivotal in connecting the country to the rest of the world. These airlines offer high-quality service, and extensive route networks, and contribute significantly to the nation’s tourism and economic growth.
Saudia
- Overview: Saudia, also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest airlines in the Middle East, offering an extensive range of domestic and international flights.
- Fleet and Services: Saudia operates a modern fleet of aircraft and provides a variety of services, including economy, business, and first-class cabins. The airline is known for its exceptional in-flight entertainment and dining options.
- Destinations: Saudia flies to numerous destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
Flynas
- Overview: Flynas is a leading low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia, known for its affordable fares and extensive domestic and international routes. It has gained popularity for its customer-centric approach and efficient service.
- Fleet and Services: The airline operates a young fleet of Airbus A320s and offers services that cater to budget-conscious travelers without compromising on quality.
- Destinations: Flynas connects major cities within Saudi Arabia and offers flights to various international destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Flyadeal
Destinations: The airline primarily focuses on domestic routes but is gradually expanding its international network.
Overview: Flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudia, is another prominent low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia. It aims to provide economical travel options while maintaining high standards of safety and comfort.
Fleet and Services: Flyadeal operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, offering a no-frills service model that appeals to budget travelers.
Conclusion
The expansion of visa-free access and the booming outbound tourism sector underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global travel. With strategic investments and government initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its tourism footprint, benefiting both its citizens and the global economy.