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Saudi Arabia is waiting for guests. The kingdom decided to start issuing tourist visas. According the Okaz newspaper, starting from September 27, tourists from 50 countries will be able to apply for entry online or receive the visa on arrival “for just 440 riyals, or $ 117”.
However, Bloomberg clarifies, the data from the newspaper’s website was deleted later, and the government explained that the final parameters - and even more so the price tag - had not yet been determined.
Nevertheless, it is already known that in late September, Riyadh intends to conduct a major advertising campaign involving the media under the slogan "Saudi Arabia is open for tourism." During the campaign, the main attractions of the kingdom will be presented, while the authorities plan to attract world experts in the field of tourism.
According to Bloomberg, the conservative Islamic kingdom has long been one of the most inaccessible to tourists countries, including due to the fact that entry visas were issued only in cases of business trips, religious pilgrimages and family reunions. However, in 2016, Riyadh seriously thought about the development of the tourism sector as part of the diversification plan of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Now the kingdom is implementing major tourism projects, transforming the Red Sea coast to attract tourists, and developing an entire entertainment city located near Riyadh. Last year, the government launched limited online visas for foreigners attending special events. Experts considered this a trial in the direction of launching tourist visas.
source: okaz.com.sa, bloomberg.com
However, Bloomberg clarifies, the data from the newspaper’s website was deleted later, and the government explained that the final parameters - and even more so the price tag - had not yet been determined.
Nevertheless, it is already known that in late September, Riyadh intends to conduct a major advertising campaign involving the media under the slogan "Saudi Arabia is open for tourism." During the campaign, the main attractions of the kingdom will be presented, while the authorities plan to attract world experts in the field of tourism.
According to Bloomberg, the conservative Islamic kingdom has long been one of the most inaccessible to tourists countries, including due to the fact that entry visas were issued only in cases of business trips, religious pilgrimages and family reunions. However, in 2016, Riyadh seriously thought about the development of the tourism sector as part of the diversification plan of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Now the kingdom is implementing major tourism projects, transforming the Red Sea coast to attract tourists, and developing an entire entertainment city located near Riyadh. Last year, the government launched limited online visas for foreigners attending special events. Experts considered this a trial in the direction of launching tourist visas.
source: okaz.com.sa, bloomberg.com
