Jeddah: The borders of Saudi Arabia will be opened to visitors from more countries as it recently became liberal in allowing tourist visas. The Kingdom would now allow tourist visas to visitors from eight more countries as part of their efforts to significantly develop their tourism sector.
Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are the eight countries that would have easy access to tourist visas, from now on. The citizens of these countries could avail of the visas online or on arrival.
The visitors who enter the country on tourist visas could perform Umrah or a holy pilgrimage to Mecca. They are allowed to visit friends or relatives, enjoy tourist destinations or indulge in business-related activities in the country.
However, they have to leave the Kingdom before the validity of the visa ends. Those who have tourist visas are not allowed to perform Umrah during the period of Hajj. Besides, they cannot earn an income in the country. They can renew this visa only after its validity ends.