Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has approved electronic visas for foreign visitors to attend sporting events and concerts, local media reported, as the world’s top oil exporter tries to diversify its economy and open up its society.
According to officials, the Saudi Arabia Visa application will only take a few minutes to complete online and there will be no need to go to an embassy or consulate.
Once the application is approved, it will be sent to the applicant by email.
This new move symbolises a change for the kingdom, which was known to be one of the most difficult countries to enter.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had no visa designed specifically for tourism purposes and visas could only be granted to particular groups on a limited basis.
Saudi Arabia allowed tourist visas for the first time in December last year when the Formula-E race was held in Riyadh. All visitors to Saudi Arabia are required to have a valid passport with at least six months validity, in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket, with all necessary documents.
Source: gulfnews
