Riyadh,  Feb. 28(BNA): Saudi Arabia has decided to to temporarily suspend the issuance of electronic tourist visas for those coming from  China, Italy, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan.

The Ministry of Tourism said the suspension, which was coordinated with competent authorities, applies also to on-arrival visas issued to visitors from these countries.

The ministry has also decided to temporarily suspend previously issued tourist visas to citizens of the countries referred to above.

It announced  that electronic and upon-arrival visas would continue to be issued to citizens of other countries previously permitted, stressing that tourist visa holders will not be allowed to visit Makkah and Madinah.

“With regard to tourist visas issued to citizens of other countries that are not included in the electronic visa, it is possible to verify the possibility of visiting the Saudi Arabia by calling 00966920000890”, said the ministry.

As for the American, British and Schengen visa holders, they can check the possibility of obtaining the tourist visa through the previously mentioned tourist phone.

AHN