Saudi Arabia to issue tourists visa for the first time
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is all set to open up for tourists as the country has decided to issue visas for the holidaymakers in a bid to diversify its oil-based economy.
The ultra-conservative country is preparing for the post-oil era as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030. Tourism is one of the significant parts of the plan and the biggest Arab economy hopes at least 10 per cent of its GDP will come from the sector by 2030.
Beginning on Saturday, Saudi Arabia will accept online applications for visas from citizens of 49 countries, media reports quoted Chairman of Saudi Commission for Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb.
He said dress-code for foreign women will also be relaxed and they no longer need to wear abayas. They will, however, be required to stick to modest dressing, he added.
There will be no restrictions on unaccompanied women tourists, which was not the case earlier, he said.
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