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