In a move that is poised to reshape international transit norms, Saudi Arabia has introduced new restrictions to its e-transit visa policy, directly impacting travelers from 18 countries — including the Maldives. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) confirmed the update as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to streamline its visa procedures and enhance security through selective entry protocols.
The revised e-transit visa guidelines now apply only to passengers traveling to or from a group of 18 nations, now classified under the “Group A” category. These countries include major global travel hubs such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, and regional neighbors like Malaysia, Singapore, and the Maldives.
Who is Affected: The ‘Group A’ List
The full list of countries eligible under the new e-transit visa framework includes:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Greece
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Mauritius
- Maldives
These countries are now the only ones whose citizens can apply for the Saudi e-transit visa, provided they have an itinerary that either originates from or is bound to one of the listed nations. Additionally, applicants must hold a valid visa for one of the Group A countries and must have previously entered that country using the same visa.
Transit Made Selective
For many Maldivian travelers, especially those using Middle Eastern carriers to transit through Saudi Arabia en route to Europe or North America, the change is significant. Previously more accessible, the Kingdom’s e-transit visa is now restricted based on precise travel patterns and history.
Saudi Arabian Airlines has emphasized that travelers must now not only meet specific routing requirements but also prove a consistent and verifiable travel history. This added layer is intended to minimize misuse, ensure tighter immigration control, and cater to passengers with predictable travel records.
Tourism Strategy or Transit Control?
The move comes amid Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to enhance its position as a tourism hub under its Vision 2030 strategy. By tightening control over transit access, the Kingdom is signaling a shift toward selective engagement — prioritizing travelers from countries that match its security and tourism profiles.
Officials have stated that the changes are intended to simplify the visa process for eligible travelers, allowing for quicker approvals while strengthening border control measures. However, the update also limits access for nationals from countries not listed in Group A, thereby excluding many who may have previously relied on Riyadh or Jeddah as convenient stopover points.
Implications for Maldivian Travelers
For Maldivians, particularly those seeking affordable long-haul connections through Saudi Arabia, the change could pose additional hurdles. While the Maldives remains within the approved group, the new documentation and travel history requirements mean more pre-planning and fewer spontaneous stopovers.
Travel agents in Male’ are already reporting inquiries from customers about alternate routes, especially for destinations like Europe or the U.S. where transit through Gulf countries is common. Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders warn that the changes may influence both outbound and inbound traffic flow via Saudi Arabia.
A Broader Global Shift?
Saudi Arabia’s policy update may mark the beginning of a new global trend — one where transit and visa rules become increasingly segmented based on geopolitical and security concerns. As nations seek greater control over migration flows and airport transit, travelers may face more complex itinerary decisions and documentation requirements.
Airlines connecting Group A countries with Saudi Arabia may benefit from increased demand for stopover services. However, carriers operating in excluded regions could see a drop in passenger volumes through Saudi airports.
Conclusion: A New Era for Transit in the Gulf
The Kingdom’s decision to refine its e-transit visa policy is a strategic move that reflects both a tightening of borders and a repositioning of Saudi Arabia as a selective gateway in international travel. For Maldivians, the inclusion in Group A offers continued access — but with new strings attached.
As regional and global travel policies continue to evolve, passengers, travel agencies, and airlines alike must adapt quickly. For now, Saudi Arabia’s skies remain open — but only for those who meet the new criteria.
