Riyadh: Saudi Arab announced on Friday that it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists after a 17-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. state news agency Said.
However, Riyadh did not announce the lifting of the sanctions. Umrahi, a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, which usually attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world every year.
“NS Ministry of Tourism announced that the Kingdom would open its doors to foreign tourists, and would lift the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders beginning 1 August.” Saudi Press Agency Reported.
It said passengers were fully vaccinated with Saudi-approved jabs – Pfizer, astraZenecahandjob Modern or Johnson & Johnson – will be able to enter the state “without needing an institutional quarantine period” provided they also have evidence of a negative PCR COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours and file their details with health officials Do it. .
Riyadh has spent billions trying to build a tourism industry from scratch, as part of efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
The once inclusive state began issuing tourist visas for the first time in 2019, as part of an ambitious effort to improve its global image and attract visitors.
Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 – only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed.
Covid-19 also disrupted Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, usually a major revenue earner for the kingdom – in normal times, they together earn about $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually.
Currently only protected pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia are eligible for Umrah permits.
The government has intensified a nationwide vaccination campaign as it seeks to revive tourism and host additional sports and entertainment events in all pandemic-hit areas.
So far, 26 million jabs have been administered to a population of 3.5 crore, and the state has said that from August 1, vaccination will be mandatory for entering government and private establishments, which include education institutions and entertainment venues, as well as Transport for public use.
Saudi Arabia has recorded over 523,000 coronavirus cases with 8,213 deaths.
However, Riyadh did not announce the lifting of the sanctions. Umrahi, a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, which usually attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world every year.
“NS Ministry of Tourism announced that the Kingdom would open its doors to foreign tourists, and would lift the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders beginning 1 August.” Saudi Press Agency Reported.
It said passengers were fully vaccinated with Saudi-approved jabs – Pfizer, astraZenecahandjob Modern or Johnson & Johnson – will be able to enter the state “without needing an institutional quarantine period” provided they also have evidence of a negative PCR COVID-19 test within the past 72 hours and file their details with health officials Do it. .
Riyadh has spent billions trying to build a tourism industry from scratch, as part of efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
The once inclusive state began issuing tourist visas for the first time in 2019, as part of an ambitious effort to improve its global image and attract visitors.
Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 – only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed.
Covid-19 also disrupted Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, usually a major revenue earner for the kingdom – in normal times, they together earn about $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually.
Currently only protected pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia are eligible for Umrah permits.
The government has intensified a nationwide vaccination campaign as it seeks to revive tourism and host additional sports and entertainment events in all pandemic-hit areas.
So far, 26 million jabs have been administered to a population of 3.5 crore, and the state has said that from August 1, vaccination will be mandatory for entering government and private establishments, which include education institutions and entertainment venues, as well as Transport for public use.
Saudi Arabia has recorded over 523,000 coronavirus cases with 8,213 deaths.
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