The Saudi Arabian government has officially published a list of seven countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for a tourism visa, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism. The update aims to streamline the visa application process for foreigners wishing to visit the kingdom for leisure or other purposes.
List of Eligible Countries
According to the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, the following seven countries are currently eligible for the tourism visa: Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan. The ministry emphasized that this list may be expanded or revised in the future, and additional countries could be added as the program evolves.
This announcement follows a similar update regarding electronic visas (e-visas), which also outlined specific eligible countries. The tourism visa is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to boost its tourism sector and attract international visitors.
Future Expansion and Related Policies
The Ministry of Tourism stated on its website that the list of eligible countries is subject to change, and more nations may be included in the coming months or days. Travelers are advised to check the official website for the most current information before applying.
In related news, Saudi Arabia has also warned residents and visitors about strict penalties under its Anti-Cyber Crime Law. Offenses such as defamation, privacy violations, sharing content against public morals, publishing illegal material, and promoting illegal drugs online can lead to arrest and imprisonment.
Additionally, Saudi authorities have released a list of 17 items banned from entry into the kingdom via airports or land borders. These include unregistered medicines, guru fruits, nutmeg and its powder, eavesdropping devices, sexual tools, counterfeit currency, fireworks, and publications violating media regulations. Travelers are urged to review the banned items list to avoid border issues.
Viral Incident and Religious Visit
In a separate story, a video of an unusually tall man performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia went viral. The man drew attention due to his exceptional height, with many pilgrims turning to look at him as he entered a room. The clip sparked online reactions, with many expressing amazement and praising God's creation.
Meanwhile, the presiding prophet of Genesis Global Church, Israel Ogundipe, visited the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The cleric clarified that the trip was not about changing his religion but about gaining a better understanding of other faiths. He said his late Muslim mother's prayers during his childhood inspired the journey and urged people to embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence despite religious differences.
