Originally Posted by Sjoerd
I believe Saudi Arabia doesn't issue any tourist visas. (Western tourists only?)
They issue religious tourism visas, including to citizens of various "Western" countries. They also issue other visas in much the same way Russia issues/issued visas to Americans -- namely, an invitation from a sponsor. In the Russian situation, the hotels are often willing to issue the "invitation". That may or may not work with Saudi Arabia. Anyone know?
These are the common types of visas issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the first two being religious tourism visas:
Hajj Visa
Umrah Visa
Employment Visa
Extension of Exit/Re-Entry Visa
Family Visit Visa
Residence Visa
Business Visit Visa
Diplomatic And Official Visa
Transit Visa
Student Visa
Here's something from another visa facilitator service in the US:
Tourist applicants must submit an application from the sponsor in Saudi Arabia on the applicant's behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or an original letter of invitation from the company in Saudi Arabia. This letter must be signed and sealed by the company and stamped by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. For women, the invitation must come from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
About two years ago, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff were discussing ways to attract non-religious tourism. I didn't much care to follow that discussion.