Saudi Arabia announced a list of countries whose citizens would be issued electronic tourism visas.
The list includes all 25 countries members of the Schengen area without border controls, the citizens of the two Americas, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Australia, South Korean and South Africa.
The issuance of the electronic visas to tourists hailing from the above-mentioned countries will start within the coming few weeks.
The Saudi authorities have also announced guidelines regulating tourism trips organized by accredited tour operators, which arranges the issuance of necessary visas.
Authorised parties inside Saudi Arabia will be in charge of the groups of tourists from their arrival until they leave the country –including their transport, accommodation.
Tourists are required to travel to Saudi Arabia in groups which include each four members at least.
Women under the age of thirty will be required to be in the company of a relative (muhram).
Tourism circuits shall not include visits to sites, which are prohibited to non-Muslims – Mecca and the Medina.
Tourists desiring to visit Saudi Arabia can also obtain entry visas through the offices of the Saudi Arabian Airlines, accredited agents abroad or through the “Discover the Kingdom” cyber portal.