Saudi Arabia plans to resume tourist visas by early 2021 after months of suspension amid strict government measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the kingdom’s tourism minister told Reuters.

“For tourist visa, until now we are talking about early next year. If things get better or if any positive developments happen with regards to the vaccine, we might accelerate and have it earlier,” Ahmed al-Khateeb said in a virtual interview.

Khateeb said the tourism sector has been hit hard and is expected to see a 35 to 45 per cent decline by year end. The focus on domestic tourism during the summer has cushioned the blow, however.

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