360Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourists from around the world
On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia launched tourist visas for the first time, letting visitors from 49 countries apply online or on arrival. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom invited the world to discover its heritage sites, such as AlUla and Diriyah, its Red Sea coast and its cities. Tourism has since become one of its fastest-growing industries.
For decades, visits to Saudi Arabia were mainly for work, business, family or pilgrimage. Vision 2030, launched in 2016, set out to build a major tourism industry.
On 27 September 2019, the Kingdom announced tourist e-visas for citizens of 49 countries, at a launch event in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The list of eligible countries has since grown.
Visitors can explore sites such as Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mud-brick At-Turaif district in Diriyah, the historic Al-Balad district of Jeddah, and new destinations on the Red Sea.
The Kingdom also hosts major events in sport, music and culture. In 2023 it welcomed more than 100 million tourist visits, domestic and international combined, reaching a Vision 2030 target years early.
- 2016
- Vision 2030 is launched
- 27 September 2019
- Tourist visas are introduced
- 2023
- More than 100 million tourist visits
- 2030
- Riyadh hosts Expo 2030
Sources: Saudi Ministry of Tourism · Saudi Press Agency · UNESCO.