Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for first time

Saudi Arabia has said it will offer tourist visas for the first time opening up the kingdom to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil. In a statement, tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for the country. 

It will open applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries. Visas are currently restricted to expat workers, their dependents and Muslim pilgrims travelling to holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

Khateeb said the kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for



foreign women, allowing them to go without the body-shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women. He said visitors will be surprised by the treasures of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.  

Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era. The austere kingdom, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code is seen by many as a hard sell for tourists.