Saudi Arabia is now open to the world. The previously secluded kingdom has finally launched their much talked about tourist visas and for the first time ever welcomed the first ever tourists to the country this week.
Potential visitors from certain countries eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival need to visitsaudi.com to apply or contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
“Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country,” tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a statement.
The destination was first teased 15 days before the launch of the new visas through an impressive new tourism campaign.
In a surprising and ambitious first video campaign released on Twitter, Saudi Arabia has teased the new destination by comparing different locations in the country to the likes of Maldives, Utah, Carribbean, Italy, Australia, Vietnam, Petra and Rockies.
Through a series of aspirational montages, the video campaign shows views that places you thought couldn’t exist in Saudi Arabia, actually do. From scuba diving adventures, to UNESCO world heritage sites and even rock climbing adventure seekers, the country wants to appeal to all kinds of travellers.
Saudi has been trying to change the international perception of the country through a series of promotional videos and by inviting influencers to promote the destination on social media.
Here are some of the best pictures of Saudi Arabia from the first tourists currently in the country.
So far only citizens of 49 countries can apply for travel visas to the kingdom.
