Saudi Arabia is throwing its doors open to international tourists as part of the Opec member nation’s drive to diversify its economy away from an over-reliance on oil revenues.
Whereas visitor visas were previously largely restricted to business people, expatriate workers and pilgrims to holy Islamic sites, citizens from almost 50 countries can now apply online for tourist visas.
Certain restrictions have also been relaxed, with women no longer required to be accompanied by a male, but the ban on alcohol remains in place, while non-Muslims will still not be allowed to visit Mecca or Medina.
