Friday, January 7, 2022
Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches Saudi e-Visa service for Cruise Tourists
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic visa (e-visa) service for cruise tourists.
According to the official account of Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the e-visa would be issued to those who are arriving to Saudi Arabia through Cruise trips, and the beneficiaries can apply online for it through Ministry's electronic platform.
- However, Proof of a cruise ticket purchase is required in order to apply for e-visa. Applications will then be processed before a visa issued through ministry's digital embassy platform. Similar : Saudi Arabia approved entry of Tourists vaccinated with Sputnik
- Tourism plays an important role in the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification. Due to which, Saudi authorities plan to invest up to 200 billion dollars and to welcome 100 million visitors by 2030.
- Saudi Vision 2030 aims to increase the tourism sector's contribution to gross domestic product to 10%. Part of Saudi Arabia's strategy involves job creation and the construction of additional tourism companies, including hotels.
- Last month, Madina based University of Prince Mugrin signed an agreement with Saudi Cruise, an affiliate of the Public Investment Fund, to train national cadres in the tourism field. Recommend : Tourist visa holders can perform Umrah after booking for permit
- As per the deal, young Saudi citizens will be offered professional programs in various tourism specializations. With the aim to develop the capabilities of the local workforce in the cruise industry, tourism and hospitality sectors. Cruise Saudi aims to create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs by the year 2035.
- In addition, Saudi Airlines signed a deal last November with MSC Cruises and Cruise Saudi to provide 20,000 seats on its flights from Europe and North America to Jeddah.
- Military staff and civil servants are working round the clock at Jeddah's Red Sea Operations Center to give tourist cruiser with entry licenses. The multi-agency center help foreign cruiser owners and local agents in both Arabic and English, allowing them to enter Saudi waters.
- This comes in line with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to reinforce tourism through machine activities, Cmdr. Hasan Al-Asmari, the manager of the center, as per the report of Arab News. Follow Saudi Expatriates on Twitter
