[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Saudi Arabia is considering implementing electronic visas for visitors from Vietnam and discussing the potential for reciprocal visa exemptions. This discussion aims to boost their tourism sectors. During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung held discussions with Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.
The princess revealed Saudi Arabia’s intention to introduce e-visas for Vietnamese tourists and collaborate with local travel companies to create tailored tourism packages for Vietnamese visitors who have a different cultural background from Saudi Arabia.
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Both countries are planning to establish direct flights between them, as Prime Minister Chinh expressed openness to this idea to enhance tourism and economic ties. Currently, there are no direct flights between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, with travel times ranging from 11 to 33 hours.
Negotiations for visa-free travel are well-advanced, and Saudi Arabia has presented a draft visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders to Vietnamese authorities. Once approved, this agreement will facilitate reciprocal visa exemptions for tourists from both countries.
In terms of statistics, around 2,000 Saudi Arabians visit Vietnam annually, and in 2019, only 600 Saudi tourists explored Vietnam due in part to travel restrictions.
Saudi Arabia is aiming to attract over 100 million tourists by 2030 as part of efforts to diversify its revenue sources, positioning tourism as the country’s second most significant revenue generator after oil.
Saudi Arabia was initially hesitant to attract tourists, but in September 2019, it formally introduced tourist visas, which has proven successful. Last year, Saudi Arabia welcomed over 90 million visitors, including international and domestic travelers. As part of Vision 2023, the nation is expected to continue promoting tourist-friendly policies in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
