The government of Saudi Arabia announced with much fanfare on September 27, 2019 that they will start issuing e-Visas (electronic visa) for tourist travel to Saudi Arabia. This eVisa will be valid for multiple entries for stays up to 90 days in Saudi.
This is a historic move since before this announcement Saudi Arabia did not issue tourist visas. The country was basically closed to tourism unless you obtained a religious visa to go to see Mecca & Medina as part of the Hajj.
With this important move the government has opened the country’s borders to tourism. The reason for the change is to boost & diversify the country’s economy which is currently highly dependent oil dependent.
At this time 50 countries including the United States can apply for the e-Visa online. Citizens of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait & Oman are exempt from a tourist visa.
The process is very simple complete the online form pay online and receive the Saudi Arabia e Visa by email.
With the introduction of the tourist E-VISA Saudi Arabia is encouraging & supporting international tourism.
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