RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is likely to issue tourist visas starting September 27.
The visas will be available for citizens of 51 countries for a fee of $117 and will have a 90-day duration, Okaz newspaper reported. said.
Tourists can apply for the visas online or upon arrival, it said.
Saudi Arabia has been loosening social restrictions since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embarked on a plan to overhaul the economy to reduce its reliance on oil. Concerts, dance shows, and film screenings have attracted thousands of people over the last year.
The kingdom is building major tourism projects and transforming its Red Sea coastline to bring in holidaymakers.
It’s also developing a cultural, sports and entertainment city and a luxury destination on its northwest coast.
Authorities have also announced plans to restrict certain hospitality jobs for its own citizens by the end of the year.
Comment