AUSTRALIA is one of 49 countries eligible to apply for Saudi Arabia’s new tourist e-Visas and Visas on arrival, revealed on Fri, with the scheme marking the first time tourist visas have been made available (TD Fri).
The tourist visa is valid for one year and allows for a stay of up to three months per entry, with visitors able to spend up to 90 days a year in Saudi Arabia.
The cost of applying is SAR440 (AU$173.60) plus VAT, with applications able to be made at Saudi Embassies and Consulates in the 49 countries included in the program, at electronic kiosks available at airports and via an online portal at visitsaudi.com.
New Zealand is also one of the countries included in the program, alongside the US, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore and 38 European nations.
Saudi Arabia said it intends to extend the e-Visa scheme to other countries “in due course”.
The scheme is backed by a development strategy, which from 2019-2022 will focus on attracting first-time visitors to “discover Saudi” and see over 20 new tourist sites developed.
The second phase of the program, from 2022 onwards, will focus on enticing visitors to “experience Saudi”.
The move follows a restructure of Saudi Arabia’s short-stay visa regime which came into effect on Fri and is part of a plan to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy.
Under the program, women who visit will not have to wear the abaya, which all locals by law must wear outside their homes.
Both men and women are asked to avoid tight-fitting clothing, dress modestly in public and avoid public displays of affection, while women must cover their shoulders and knees in public.
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Source: traveldaily