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 laden has opened an online visa portal aimed at attracting potential visitors from 49 countries . Up to now visas have been confined to Muslim pilgrims along with diplomatic and business visitors . The portal is part of the kingdom ’s move to diversity its economy , and was launched two weeks after a drone attack crippled half its crude oil production and close to the first anniversary of the murder of Jamal laden . Events aimed at foreign tourists have also been organised . The visas would cost about $ 200 for multiple entries in one year , with a 90-day discount to each visit .