The world’s most conservative country is wooing tourists like never before
When it comes to holidaying in the Middle East, there’s a new kid on the block. From April 1, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will start issuing tourist visas for the first time since it clamped down on visitors in 2010.
As it stands, all visitors, including pilgrims, to the Kingdom must acquire a visa to enter the country but the new electronic permits are likely to make the process simpler for travellers.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, keen on moving the nation’s economy away from a dependence on oil, is the driving force behind Saudi’s new-found commitment to its tourism and leisure industry. The prince is supported by members of the House of Saud, including Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman wants Saudi to rival neighbouring Dubai as a tourist destination
Talking to the Associated Press, he said: “[Saudi Arabia] is open for people that are doing business, for people working in Saudi Arabia, investing in Saudi Arabia, and people who are visiting for special purposes. And now it will be open for tourism again on a selected basis.”
So what does “selected basis” mean? Well, there are limitations on the availability of the visa to women. Female solo travellers over the age of 25 will be able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa, but those under 25 will have to be accompanied by a family member.
Talking to the Associated Press, he said: “[Saudi Arabia] is open for people that are doing business, for people working in Saudi Arabia, investing in Saudi Arabia, and people who are visiting for special purposes. And now it will be open for tourism again on a selected basis.”
So what does “selected basis” mean? Well, there are limitations on the availability of the visa to women. Female solo travellers over the age of 25 will be able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa, but those under 25 will have to be accompanied by a family member.
50 islands in the Red Sea will be turned into luxury resorts CREDIT: GETTY
The Kingdom said it would include “the development of hotels and luxury residential units, as well as all logistical infrastructure – including air, land and sea transport hubs”. The 50 islands under development on the coast will be turned into luxury resorts.
Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund described the project as an “exquisite luxury resort destination established across 50 untouched natural islands”. The intention is that they will be governed by laws “on par with international standards”, meaning that women should be able to wear bikinis.
Source : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/saudi-arabia-issue-tourist-visa/
