Saudi Arabia’s new visa platform goes live

Motor racing fans can now visit Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix to be held near Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA) on Sunday announced details of its new electronic visa system, Sharek, which allows international motor racing fans to travel to the kingdom for the December 15 Formula E race, the Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix near Riyadh.

“Saudi Arabia is very excited to be inviting international tourists into the kingdom for the first time as tickets for the Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix go on sale via its new visa platform new Sharek,” GSA said in a statement.

In its first move to open its borders to international visitors, GSA announced last Tuesday the launch of Sharek.

The platform offers a ticket purchase and online visa application process for sporting fans wanting to experience the racing festival, live music and entertainment, including action on the track and global superstars performing on stage over three days at the historical Ad Diriyah.

“This is an exciting milestone for us. When you host international championships, you have international fans who want to attend. And, of course, the best way to see Saudi Arabia is to visit through sports, this is not just the first way, it is the best way,” Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Turki Al Faisal, Vice-Chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, said.

The venue for the event, the ancient city of Ad Diriyah, the

The platform offers a ticket purchase and online visa application process for sporting fans wanting to experience the racing festival, live music and entertainment, including action on the track.

first seat of power for the Saudi state, is itself a draw for international tourists, being a Unesco heritage site.

Travellers who buy a ticket for the race can obtain a 14-day visa for 640 riyals (Dh625). That allows full entrance to the event and free mobility within specific Saudi territories. Applicants need to complete their personal details online, upload a photograph and a copy of their passport, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will then confirm eligibility within seconds.

After payment, the visa will be emailed to the international traveller and this can be printed and used to enter Saudi Arabia.

Makkah and Madinah remain off-limits to non-Muslim travellers.