Saudi Arabia Simplifies Visa Regime for Ukrainian Tourists

One of the world's most closed countries will develop tourism.

Saudi Arabia has simplified its visa regime for foreign tourists from 49 countries, including Ukraine.

As reported by Reuters, a tourist visa to the kingdom can now be bought online for about $80, however, access for tourists to the Muslim holy sites of Mecca and Medina will be restricted.

According to the head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Ahmad Al-Khatib, tourists, like residents of the kingdom, will be prohibited from consuming alcohol, but female visitors are not required to wear an abaya — "modest clothing" is sufficient. In addition, female tourists are allowed to visit the kingdom without a male relative accompanying them.

Among the countries for which the kingdom has simplified its visa regime are China, Japan, the United States and European countries. As said Maksym Sokoliuk, chairman of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, Ukraine is also on the list.

"From now on, upon arrival in the country, an electronic visa can be obtained, which will allow staying in the country for tourist purposes for up to 90 days, — Sokoliuk said.

The innovation will take effect as early as September 28.

Saudi Arabia — one of the most closed countries in the world, which previously effectively did not issue tourist visas. Recently, only tourists travelling in groups could enter the country, as well as those with "religious visas" for visiting holy sites.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed abolishing visas for foreigners receiving medical services in Ukraine.