Saudi Arabia has launched a new Visa Package programme, introducing a streamlined entry process for an initial group of seven nations. Travellers from selected Asian countries and one North American country can now secure an electronic tourist visa directly through bundled travel bookings.
How the New Visa System Works
This initiative eliminates the need for separate embassy visits or independent visa applications by integrating the entry process into standard holiday bookings, according to Gulf News. Under the new framework, holidaymakers must purchase a unified package that combines return flights, accommodation at a licensed hotel with a minimum four-star rating, and the electronic visa.
Authorised travel providers will issue the entry permit alongside travel insurance via email within 48 hours of the package purchase. Currently, Reserval and Almosafer are the only two accredited agencies handling these transactions.
Eligible Countries in the Initial Phase
The scheme aims to gradually expand its reach to more nationalities in subsequent rollouts. For the launch phase, the specified eligible territories include: Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Financial Requirements for Travellers
The single-entry visa remains valid for three months, allowing recipients to stay in the country for durations ranging from two to 88 days. Base costs for the mandatory package start at SR4,000 per adult for the opening two days, with an additional SR1,000 required for each subsequent day. The comprehensive visa fee is fixed at SR402.21, a price that covers both the formal issuance and necessary travel insurance.
While the bundled packages strictly exclude predefined Umrah services or accommodation arrangements within Makkah and Madinah, visitors retain full freedom to travel to both holy cities independently once they arrive in the kingdom.
Background and Broader Context
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had introduced a Package Visa pilot scheme designed to streamline the travel experience for international tourists. Under that initiative, eligible visitors could secure their entry visa as part of an all-in-one travel deal that bundles flights, accommodation, and alternative transport services into a single transaction.
A Gulf News report, which cited the Saudi Press Agency, said the system was undergoing a trial rollout through a network of accredited travel and tourism agencies within selected pilot markets. The inter-ministerial project brings together the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Insurance Authority to advance national tourism goals.
The primary features of the consolidated booking service include: single integrated applications covering round-trip flight arrangements, direct lodging reservations at licensed hospitality facilities within the Kingdom, instant inclusion of electronic tourist visa processing during the checkout phase, and customizable itineraries featuring local events, cultural activities, and regional sightseeing hotspots.
Comparison with UAE Visa-Free Entry
Legit.ng previously reported that travellers planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates can benefit from one of the region's more accessible entry systems, with citizens of about 70 countries able to enter without securing a visa before departure. The country's extensive air links also make travel straightforward, with Dubai International Airport ranking among the busiest global aviation hubs.
