Guyanese travellers to Saudi Arabia no longer need US, UK or Schengen visas

Travellers holding a Guyanese passport can now enter Saudi Arabia using a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (e-Visa) without first holding a valid United States, United Kingdom or Schengen visa. Guyana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the change on Saturday, describing it as a significant travel and diplomatic development.

Key facts

• Who: Guyanese passport holders
• What changed: the requirement for a valid US, UK or Schengen visa has been removed
• Options: visa on arrival or electronic visa (e-Visa)
• Announced: Saturday, 3 October 2026
• How to apply: directly, using a Guyanese passport and paying the applicable fee

What is changing?

Until now, Guyanese travellers needed a valid US, UK or Schengen visa to qualify for a Saudi e-Visa or a visa on arrival. That condition has been dropped, so a Guyanese passport on its own is enough to access either facility.

According to the ministry, Guyana is now the only country in South America whose passport holders can use Saudi Arabia's visa-on-arrival and e-Visa facilities without a third-country visa.

Who is affected?

The change applies to Guyanese passport holders travelling to Saudi Arabia. The ministry said it is expected to make travel between the two countries easier for people going for Umrah, tourism, visits to family and friends and other purposes.

How do I apply?

Guyanese travellers no longer need to use an agent or visit a Saudi Arabian Embassy to access the facility. They can apply directly for an e-Visa or obtain a visa on arrival using their Guyanese passport and paying the applicable fee.

The source does not state the cost of the visa, the permitted length of stay or the validity period of the e-Visa.

What this means for travellers

Guyanese passport holders planning a trip to Saudi Arabia can now apply for an e-Visa directly or request a visa on arrival, without first arranging a US, UK or Schengen visa. Travellers should check the applicable fee and any other entry conditions before travelling, as the source does not specify them.

The ministry said the change follows intensified bilateral relations and ongoing discussions between Guyana and Saudi Arabia, particularly in trade, economic partnerships, investment, tourism and people-to-people relations. Guyana's government said it will continue working to enhance the features of the country's Machine Readable Passports in line with international standards and requirements, as it seeks to expand international travel opportunities for its citizens.