Saudi Arabia has announced that it will start issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history, opening its doors to tourists in order to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
"Opening the doors of Saudi Arabia to foreign tourists is a historic moment for our country," said Ahmed Al-Khatib, the Chairman of the General Authority for Tourism and Heritage. Pointing out that "the Kingdom will reduce the rules of uniform for the foreign women and allow them to move without wearing the Abaya, but in return the foreign female visitors will have to dress modestly."
Saudi Arabia will offer online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries. The tourist visa will be effective starting Saturday, and the promotion will be launched from 14 capitals around the world, including London, New York and Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Tourists will be able to obtain the visa electronically in no more than 7 minutes. The launch of the tourism sector is one of the most important foundations of “Vision 2030”, a plan to prepare the country's largest post-oil economy.
Source (Alarabiya.net, Edited)
