Saudi Arabia's e-visa system goes live for Formula E racing event

Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA) on Sunday said its new electronic visa system, Sharek, has gone live and will allow international motor racing fans to travel to the Kingdom for the December 15 Formula E race.

Travelers, who buy a ticket for the race through www.sharek.sa/formulae, will get a 14-day visa for SAR 640 ($170), which allows for full entrance to the event and free mobility within specific Saudi territories.

Applicants will have 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, the statement noted.  

The visa will be emailed to the international traveler, which can be printed off and used to enter the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia is very excited to be inviting international tourists into 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 the statement.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, vice-chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, added: “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 isn’t just the first way, it is the best way.”

Tickets for the Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix start from SAR 395 for a seat in the grandstand and concert access. International travelers are limited to one ticket per visa.

The Holy cities of Makkah and Madina remain off-limits to non-Muslim travelers, the statement added.