The Saudi Arabian government on Sunday, August 6 announced an exemption of visas for Maldivian tourists visiting the country.
In a statement, the Saudi government revealed its decision to waive the visa requirement for eight additional countries, aiming to boost tourism. The list of countries include Alabama, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Maldives.
Saudi government confirmed that tourists from the listed countries can apply for “Visitor Visa” either “electronically” or on arrival.
Under the visitor visa, travelers are entitled to;
- Tourism
- Umrah
- Business
- Visiting relatives and friends
Speaking about Saudi government’s visa exemption to eight countries, its Ministry of Tourism said that the tourist/visitor visa does not grant permission for performing Hajj or Umrah during the Hajj season. Furthermore, the visitor visa does not authorize tourists to engage in wage-based employment.
The ministry further said that this visa exemption represents an "extension of initiatives aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's accessibility and global engagement."
In July 2023, the Saudi government had previously unveiled its intentions to expand visa exemptions to several countries as part of its efforts to enhance tourism efforts.
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