Kerala asks Centre to exempt Saudi citizens from biometric visa

State Tourism Minister AC Moideen said he had written to Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma in this regard.

Around five lakh Saudi holidayers visit the state every year, he said, adding the Centre's recent decision making bio-metric data compulsory for them would adversely impact the state's tourism prospects.

“The Centre had made biometric data must at a time when the state is eyeing more tourists from Saudi Arabia. The applicant has to appear directly to get the biometric visa issued. But, it is not a must for e-visa,” he said in the letter to Sharma.

 There were chances that Saudi tourists may opt for other countries, including Sri Lanka, in view of the complexities in applying for biometric visas.