The kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens to tourists



Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourists interested in visiting the kingdom for more than religious reasons. The Middle Eastern kingdom announced a new e-visa program on Friday that will allow people from 49 nations to enter the country for tourism, for stays as long as three months.

Visas were previously restricted to business travelers and Muslim pilgrims who are given special visas to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

As part of the move, it decreed that visitors need not wear all-covering black robes but should dress modestly. Alcohol remains banned.


And there is more: in its bid to attract holidaymakers, Saudi Arabia is allowing foreign men and women to rent hotel rooms together without proving they are related.

Women, including Saudis, are also permitted to rent hotel rooms by themselves, in a break with previous regulations.

The moves appear to pave the way for unaccompanied women to travel more easily and for unmarried foreign visitors to stay together in the Gulf state, where sex outside of marriage is banned.


The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage confirmed a report on Friday by Arabic-language newspaper Okaz, adding: “All Saudi nationals are asked to show family ID or proof of relationship on checking into hotels. This is not required of foreign tourists. All women, including Saudis, can book and stay in hotels alone, providing ID on check-in.”


The changes are part of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious economic and social reform agenda. 

The authorities are aiming for 100 million annual visits by 2030.

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