JEDDAH, 24 November 2004 — Saudis are no longer given visas on arrival in Tunisia. They now have to obtain them in advance of their travel to the North African country.
The Tunisian mission here says that the government has introduced the new visa system for Saudis in response to the Kingdom’s system for Tunisian visitors.
The new Tunisian system began Oct. 4.
However, an official at the Tunisian Consulate General, said his government would continue to offer visas on arrival at the country’s various entry points “purely as a temporary measure during the transformation period.”
Saudis have to pay SR20 toward a stamp that will be affixed on the passports of visa-seekers.
“There is no political pressure behind the decision and what has been done is just to bring our visa system on par with that of the Kingdom,” Tunisian Consul General Muhammad Fathi Baha told Arab News yesterday.
Imposition of the visa requirement is not exceptional to Saudis. “Tunisia has introduced this system on the nationals of all countries that have this requirement for Tunisian nationals,” he said.
The issuance of a visa takes just 15 minutes. Requirements include a duly sworn application with the applicant’s passport and two photographs.
The Tunisian mission urged Saudi visitors not to travel to the country without a visa.
“All those who travel without a visa will be turned back,” he said, adding that the lone exceptions will be Saudis whose wives are Tunisians or those who travel under “special circumstances.”
