Plus, everything you need to know about applying for the new Saudi tourism visa…

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new tourism strategy that will see the country welcome tourist visa applications from residents of 49 countries.

As of Saturday September 28, tourists can obtain a 90-day, multiple entry visa to Saudi Arabia.

At the same announcement on Friday September 27, Saudi officials also confirmed that the dress code for female tourists would be relaxed, meaning female visitors will not need to wear an abaya. However, female tourists visiting the kingdom will still need to wear “modest clothing,” said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. Female tourists will still be required to cover their knees and shoulders.

Previously, visit visas were only granted to tourists for one-off events, business trips, religious pilgrimages or family gatherings.

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Who can apply for the visa

Citizens from the following countries are all eligible for the new Saudi e-visas and visas on arrival:

USA Austria Italy
Canada Cyprus Finland
Kazakhstan UK Ireland
Singapore Croatia Lithuania
Brunei Estonia Greece
New Zealand Andorra Liechtenstein
South Korea Denmark Monaco
Japan Germany Iceland
Spain Bulgaria Malta
Belgium France Poland
Malaysia Hungary Latvia
Switzerland Czech Republic Norway
Portugal Holland Russia
Sweden Montenegro Luxembourg
Australia Slovakia Romania
San Marino China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Slovenia
Ukraine
Citizens from the GCC are not counted on this list, as they are already eligible for visa-free entry into Saudi Arabia.

How to apply for a Saudi tourist visa

You can now apply for the e-visa via visitsaudi.com or contact your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

For e-visas and visas on arrival, you’ll need your passport with a minimum of six months validity, accommodation address and a hard copy of the visa (a soft copy is also advised).

How long is it valid

The visa is valid for one year, with multiple entries permitted. Tourists can stay up to three months per entry, but cannot stay longer than 90 days in the one-year period.

Cost of a Saudi tourist visa

The Saudi tourist visa is priced at SAR 440 (Dh431) plus VAT.

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Images: Getty