Saudi Arabian officials say they have processed more than 77,000 tourist e-visas in its first month of operation.
The new visa allows travellers from countries like the US, UK, and South Korea to visit Saudi Arabia, in a move aimed at boosting The Kingdom’s tourism industry. The new e-visa applies to citizens of 49 countries.
Each new e-visa is good for one year of travel. Previously, those wishing to fly into Saudi Arabia had to either prove they were there for business or religious reasons.
Speaking at the global travel show World Travel Market in London, Saudi Arabian officials said that within the first month they received 77,000 applications.
Over the last few months, the country also has relaxed dress codes for women and now allows unmarried couples rent rooms together in hotels.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, the country hopes to attract more than 100 million visitors to its sandy shores.
