The Saudi government will launch tomorrow Sept. 28 the online application for tourist visa for 49 countries, Bloomberg reported citing Ahmad Al-Khateeb, president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
He added that the government targets 64 million local and foreign tourists by 2022 and 100 million tourists 2030, noting that the current number of tourists stands at 40 million.
The 49 countries include the majority of European states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some Asian countries. Tourists will obtain visa on entry at Riyadh, Medina, Jeddah, and Dammam airports as well as Al Batha border and King Fahd causeway.
The tourist visa costs SAR 440 including SAR 140 insurance. Tourists can apply for a visa twice a year and can stay up to 90 consecutive days in the Kingdom.
Other nationalities can obtain their visas within two days as per the normal procedures at Saudi embassies and consulates.
Non-Muslim tourists are not entitled to enter Makkah and Medina. Muslims can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, however, holders of tourist visa could not preform Hajj nor undertake a medical treatment.
Al-Khateeb stated that Saudis welcome the flow of tourists into the Kingdom, and the government also welcomes different cultures and religions. He highlighted that thousands of Saudis have studied abroad and returned to the country.
Elsewhere, SCTH president said that the Kingdom encourages the private sector and investors to explore a wide range of investment opportunities.
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