New Saudi Arabia tourist visas: everything you need to know

The launch was announced in front of a gathering of the world's media in Riyadh

Abundant marine life in the Red Sea. Photos: Saudi Tourism Authority

A lone tent in Ad Dahna desert, which extends about 1,000 kilometres through Saudi Arabia

Balloons flying over the Unesco World Heritage Site of AlUla

The cliff formations known as 'The Edge of the World', located 100km from Riyadh

The road to Tabuk, home to spectacular rock formations

Madain Saleh, the first archaeological site in Saudi Arabia to join Unesco's World Heritage List

Stunning cabins located in the wilderness of Saudi Arabia

The region of Jazan is known for its lush greenery, which resembles the rice terraces of Bali

The old city of Jeddah with its signature architecture

Jeddah is known for its coastline and charm

Jabal al-Lawz, or Louz Mountain, is located in north-west Saudi Arabia, near the Jordanian border, which often gets coated in snow

The historical village of Zee Al-Ain is located in the Al Bahah province

Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of its new tourist visas, which will be available from today.

Tourists can obtain a 90-day, multiple entry visa to enter the country.

The new e-visa or visa on arrival services will be extended to 49 countries, including the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

It's expected the announcement will create one million new jobs for the  country by 2030.

Here's everything we know about the new visas:

How much does the Saudi tourism visa cost?

The visa will cost you SAR 440 (Dh431) plus VAT.

Where can you apply for the visa?

Tourists will be able to apply online for an e-Visa or gain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. A dedicated online portal at visitsaudi.com has been launched, and electronic kiosks are available at airports.

How long is it valid for?

The tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 3 months per entry, with visitors able to spend up to 90 days a year in Saudi Arabia. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries.

What countries are eligible to apply?

This, of course, discounts those from the GCC, who were already eligible for visa-free entry into Saudi Arabia.

Do female tourists need to wear an abaya?

An official statement on this has not yet been released, but it is understood that while both genders need to dress modestly to be respectful of the culture, wearing an abaya will not be enforced.

Why are the tourist visas being introduced?

Saudi Arabia first unveiled its plans to welcome tourists to the kingdom in December 2017, but in the years since, there had been little news – until recently.

Last week, a slick new tourism campaign for the kingdom was launched, with a stunning video making the rounds on social media.

Previously, most visitors to Saudi Arabia were Muslims visiting to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, or those on business trips. Tourist visas were only issued on an intermittent basis, and only for select group tours. It was particularly difficult for single women to visit the kingdom.

Earlier this month, the head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Ahmad Al Khatib, said Saudi Arabia would open its doors to international tourists before the end of this year.

Mr Al Khatib made the announcement during a meeting of the World Tourism Organisation in Russia.

It expands on the initial announcement in 2017, when Prince Sultan bin Salman said "all government approvals" were in place for the launch of electronic visas to "all nationals whose countries allow their citizens to visit" Saudi Arabia.

The proposal to issue the visas was then outlined in a report for the Arabian Travel Market 2018.

It highlighted the kingdom's target of 30 million visitors annually by 2030, and announced its intent to allow women older than 24 to visit the country without a male guardian.

Female tourists below that age will still need to be accompanied by a family member.

JEDDAH: UNESCO's World Heritage Committee inscribed the old city of Jeddah and the Gate of Makkah on the World Heritage List in 2014. Pictured: windows covered with wooden screens known as "mashrabaiya" adorn traditional buildings in the old city of Jeddah. AFP Photo.

YANBU: A popular jumping-off point for diving in the Red Sea, and famed for its white, sandy beaches, Yanbu's star is on the rise. While it's also known for its refineries and petrochemical plants - the city boasts plenty of private beaches, and resorts geared towards families. John Fraser / Stockimo.

RIYADH: The capital and most populous city of Saudi Arabia is primarily considered a business destination. But, financial hub or not, the 6 million-strong city boasts some impressive skyscrapers - including the 302m-high Kingdom Centre, with a sky bridge connecting 2 towers, and the 267m-high Al Faisaliah Centre, with a glass-globe summit. The historic Deira suburb, and the Masmak Fort, is worth a wander around too. Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters.

TABUK: Steeped in ancient history, Tabuk is an agricultural-rich area on the Red Sea. It's known for a wealth of aspects, most notably it's diving, the Tabuk Castle which dates back to 1559, and the Hisma mountain range. Getty Images

MAKKAH: Located in western Saudi Arabia, this is considered the holiest site in Islam. Non-Muslims are strictly forbidden to enter the city. A pilgrimage to Makkah, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is compulsory for all Muslims who are able. Each year, over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah. The Great Mosque of Makkah (pictured) is considered the holiest site in the city, and in Islam. The Kaaba, which it is built around, is a building said to have been built by Prophet Abraham himself and his son, Prophet Ishmael. Mast Irham / EPA.

MADINA: Considered the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah, this is said to be where the prophet Mohammed was buried. Pictured: the burial place is at the city's heart, at al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque). Getty Images

DIR'IYAH: Another UNESCO site, this was once the home of the Saudi royal family, and served as the capital of the emirate of the same name from 1744 to 1818, under the first Saudi dynasty. The At-Turaif district in ad-Dir'iyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, is part of a major development project shepherded by Saudi King Salman. The heart of the 750 million riyal ($200 million/179 million euro) project is the restoration of At-Turaif, but it also includes the creation of the adjacent Abdul Wahhab Foundation which is designed to is designed to honour Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab, the 18th-century fundamentalist preacher who co-founded the Saudi state. Fayez Nureldine / AFP Photo.

ABHA: This mountainous area is known for its national parks, forests and mud-built castles and buildings. Its mild climate, and lush, green countryside make it a popular destination for domestic travellers throughout the year. Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters.

QASSIM: The Qassim region, 350 kms north of Riyadh is supposedly the richest region per capita in Saudi Arabia. Primarily a desert climate, its dotted with archaeological sites and is well-known for its traditional textiles. It's sliced through the middle by the Wadi Al Rummah, the longest valley in the Arabian peninsula, stretching for about 600 km from Madina to the Thuayrat Dunes. Hassan Ammar / AFP Photo.