Saudi Arabia plans to resume tourist visas by 2021
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib told Reuters that his country plans to resume tourist visas by early 2021, after months of suspension, amid strict government measures to prevent the spread of the Corona virus.
Tourism is a central pillar of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious reform strategy to reduce the economy's dependence on oil.
The kingdom, which opened its doors to foreign tourists in September 2019 by launching a new visa regime for 49 countries, wants the sector to contribute 10% of GDP by 2030.
"To get a tourist visa, we are talking so far about early next year," Al-Khatib said.
Ahmed Al-Khatib added in a hypothetical interview: "If things improve or if there are any positive developments regarding the vaccine, we may accelerate that to an early time."
In late February, the kingdom closed its borders to foreign pilgrims and tourists from at least 25 countries.
In March, it banned all travel in and out of the country.
Al-Khatib said that the tourism sector has been severely affected and is expected to witness a decline of 35-45% by the end of the year, but the focus on domestic tourism during the summer has tempered the decline.
"This epidemic is a danger that affects everyone, but we witnessed a very strong summer after the lockdown period from January to May."
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