His Excellency Ahmad Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage of Saudi Arabia, today announced the launch of the Kingdom's new one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa, opening up Kingdom to tourists for the first time. Part of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, the new visa will allow tourists to enter the country and stay for up to 90 days, and enables travellers from around the world to more freely and deeply experience the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Announced at a gala event at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh, His Excellency Ahmad Al-Khateeb, said: "Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country. Generous hospitality is at the heart of Arabian culture and we look forward to showing our guests a very warm welcome. Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share. Five UNESCO World Heritages sites, vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty. To visitors, we say: Be among the first to discover and explore the treasures of Arabia. To investors, we say: Become part of the fastest-growing tourism sector on earth."
Open to 49 countries, the new visa is also a game-changing initiative to not only boost the tourism sector, but also to help drive and diversify the economy beyond oil, by fueling investment and creating jobs.
The visa costs AED430 and will be available through Saudi embassies and consulates around the world, at electronic booths on arrival, or as an e-visa from www.visitsaudi.com
