Saudi Arabia launches tourist e-visa for citizens of 49 countries

On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia began issuing electronic tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries. The announcement marked the first time the kingdom opened its borders to international leisure tourism on a broad scale. Until then, entry had been largely restricted to pilgrims, business travellers, expatriate workers and their families.

The visa could be obtained online or on arrival, and allowed stays of up to 90 days. Eligible countries included much of Europe, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Authorities also relaxed some rules for visitors, including dress requirements for foreign women, who were no longer required to wear the abaya (a long, loose robe).

The move was a central part of Vision 2030, the government's plan to diversify the economy away from oil. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the state tourism body, aimed to attract tens of millions of visitors a year and to raise tourism's share of the economy. Later changes extended eligibility to more countries and widened the visa's use.