JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia—Saudi Arabia is opening the ultraconservative kingdom to tourists for the first time, easing restrictions for foreign visitors as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to diversify the oil-dependent economy. Visas had been restricted to Muslim pilgrims and business and diplomatic visitors, but on Friday the kingdom said its new online visa portal would be open to visitors from 49 countries, including the U.S. and major European and Asian countries. ...
Saudi Arabia has opened an online visa portal aimed at attracting potential visitors from half countries. Up to now visas have been confined to Muslim pilgrims along with diplomatic and business visitors. The launch is part of the kingdom’s move to diversity its economy, and was announced two weeks after a drone attack crippled 49 its crude oil production and close to the first anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Events aimed at foreign tourists have also been organised. The visas would cost about $120 for multiple entries in one year, with a 90-day limit to each visit.