Saudis can get Australian tourist visas in 24 hours

Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Hawkins said his country would issue tourist visas for Saudis within 24 hours. He expressed hope that there would be a reciprocal response from the Saudi authorities with regard to issuing tourist visas for Australian citizens. The ambassador made the remarks while visiting the headquarters of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) yesterday. Referring to the visa procedures, Hawkins said Saudi tourists can apply online for visas. “Once the application is received, the applicant will be supplied with an online visa number within 24 hours. The applicant can approach any destination points in Australia with a printout of the visa number,” he said, adding the one-time entry visa with a six-month validity period will then be stamped on their passport. Hawkins also hoped Saudi authorities would expedite procedures to issue tourist visas for Australians. He said trade relations between the two countries were witnessing rapid and tremendous growth. At JCCI headquarters, senior JCCI officials including Secretary General Adnan Mandur received Hawkins. It was revealed during the reception that an Australian trade delegation would visit Saudi Arabia, especially Jeddah, in October this year. The Australia–Gulf Cooperation Council will organize the visit of the delegation, which includes top executives of several Australian companies, mainly those in the fields of environment and various industries.