Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has officially opened its doors to tourists, making visas available to citizens from 49 different countries as of Friday.
In a significant event for the country, Ahmed Al Khateeb, who chairs the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage, announced the launch at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh. Citizens from the eligible 49 countries can either apply for an e-visa or get a visa upon arrival.
To make the process smoother, a special online portal has been created at visitsaudi.com, and airports will feature electronic kiosks to help with visa applications.
The tourist visa allows visitors to stay for up to three months per entry, with a total of 90 days per year in Saudi Arabia. This visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries.
The fee for either the e-visa or the visa on arrival is 440 riyals, which is roughly $117, plus VAT.
Saudi Arabia plans to expand the e-visa program to include more countries in the future.