Saudi Arabia’s New Package Visa: Six Countries Eligible for Faster Tourist Visas

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Saudi Arabia has recently launched an innovative initiative known as the Package Visa, designed to streamline the process for international tourists wishing to visit the Kingdom. This new scheme allows travellers from specific countries to acquire a tourist visa through a comprehensive travel package that integrates various travel services into a single booking process. The move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance its tourism sector and attract more international visitors as the nation seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependency.

The Package Visa initiative is currently available to travellers from six countries: Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. This selection of countries reflects Saudi Arabia's focus on regions with significant travel potential, particularly those with large populations and established ties to the Kingdom. By simplifying the visa process, Saudi Arabia aims to encourage more tourists from these nations to explore its rich cultural heritage and modern attractions.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the Package Visa is designed to facilitate a seamless travel experience by combining essential elements such as flights, accommodation, and electronic visa services into one cohesive package. This means that prospective visitors can book their entire trip through approved travel providers without the hassle of applying for a visa separately. The initiative is expected to not only enhance the convenience for travellers but also boost the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.

How the Package Visa Works

The mechanics of the Package Visa are straightforward. After selecting an approved travel package from an authorized travel agency, travellers complete their purchase digitally. Within 48 hours of finalizing their booking, they receive their electronic visa, along with travel insurance and necessary documents, via email. This eliminates the traditional requirement of visiting a Saudi embassy or submitting a separate visa application, thereby expediting the travel process.

Currently, two travel providers, Reserval and Almosafer, have been accredited by the Ministry of Tourism to offer this service. This initial partnership is crucial as it sets the groundwork for future expansions of the program, potentially including more travel agencies and a wider range of services.

Visa Validity and Package Requirements

The Package Visa is a single-entry tourist visa that remains valid for three months. It allows visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for a minimum of two days and a maximum of 88 days. This flexibility is appealing to tourists who may wish to explore the Kingdom's diverse attractions, from its historical sites to modern entertainment venues.

Each travel package must meet certain criteria to qualify for the Package Visa. These include:

• A confirmed round-trip flight to and from Saudi Arabia.

• Accommodation at a hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, rated four stars or above.

• Processing of the electronic visa application.

The minimum price for these packages starts at SR4,000 per adult for the first two days, with an additional SR1,000 for each extra day. This pricing structure is designed to provide a competitive edge in the region, especially considering the growing number of countries offering similar travel packages.

Optional services can also be included in the package, allowing travellers to customize their experiences with event tickets, leisure activities, and other tourism experiences, further enhancing the appeal of visiting Saudi Arabia.

Travel Rules for Visitors

While the Package Visa simplifies travel arrangements, it is important to note that it does not include arrangements for Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, or services in the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah. However, visa holders are permitted to travel freely throughout Saudi Arabia after their arrival, including visits to these significant religious sites.

Another important aspect of the Package Visa is that once it is issued, it cannot be cancelled separately. If a traveller decides to cancel their travel package, the associated visa will also be revoked. This policy underscores the importance of thorough planning and commitment to the travel package before purchase.

The Ministry of Tourism has indicated that more nationalities will be added to the Package Visa program in future phases. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to broaden its appeal as a tourist destination, particularly as the Kingdom continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and services.

Key Features of Saudi Arabia’s New Package Visa

• Travellers can apply for a tourist visa through a single integrated package, simplifying the process significantly.

• Packages may include return flights, licensed accommodation, e-visa services, and additional tourism experiences, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

• The service combines travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements through approved providers, ensuring a streamlined experience.

• Only authorized travel companies with digital platforms and 24/7 support are permitted to offer these packages, enhancing customer service and reliability.

Boosting Tourism Under Vision 2030

The introduction of the Package Visa is a significant step in Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote tourism as a key sector for growth. This vision was developed in collaboration with various ministries, including Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and the Insurance Authority, reflecting a coordinated approach to enhancing the country's global tourism appeal.

In addition to the Package Visa, Saudi Arabia has rolled out other flexible entry options, including visa-on-arrival and Stopover Transit Visa programs. These initiatives are designed to facilitate access for international travellers, thereby supporting the Kingdom's goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination.

The implications of the Package Visa are significant. By making it easier for tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is likely to see an increase in international visitors, which can lead to a boost in local economies, job creation in the tourism sector, and a greater global presence for Saudi Arabia as a tourist-friendly destination. This move not only supports economic diversification but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's new Package Visa initiative represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom's efforts to expand and modernize its tourism sector. By providing a simplified, integrated approach to travel and visa arrangements, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an attractive destination for international tourists, paving the way for a vibrant and diversified economic future.