Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new Visa Package initiative, enabling travelers to seamlessly obtain a tourist visa electronically as part of a travel booking bundle. This exciting development streamlines the visa acquisition process, offering convenience for eligible travelers from select countries.
Eligible Countries for the Visa Package
As announced by the Ministry of Tourism, six countries—Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico—are currently eligible to take advantage of this new Visa Package. This offers a streamlined approach for tourists, combining flights, hotel accommodations, and an electronic tourist visa into a single booking. This eliminates the need for separate visa applications, making travel planning significantly more efficient.
How the Visa Package Works
The Visa Package allows travelers to secure their tourist visa within a maximum of 48 hours after completing their travel package purchase. This simplified process means travelers do not need to visit a Saudi embassy or deal with the traditional visa application process, which can often be time-consuming. Instead, travelers can book their trip through approved agencies and receive all necessary travel documents—including the visa—via email shortly after booking.
Currently, two travel agencies, Reserval and Almosafer, have been accredited to offer this Visa Package service. To utilize the package, travelers must choose an approved travel package, process payment digitally, and opt for travel insurance. The entire transaction is managed through authorized agencies, ensuring both security and streamlined service.
Details of the Visa Package
The Visa Package provides a single-entry tourist visa that is valid for three months. This allows travelers to stay for a minimum of two days and a maximum of 88 days in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, once the visa is issued, it cannot be canceled independently; canceling the travel package will also revoke the visa.
The travel package must include a confirmed round-trip airfare and accommodations at a Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotel, rated at least four stars. The minimum price for this package starts at SR4,000 per adult for the initial two days, with an extra SR1,000 for each additional day. Travelers can also customize their experience by adding optional features such as event tickets or leisure activities, ensuring a personalized trip.
While the package does not cover services in Makkah and Madinah—such as Umrah arrangements—those holding a visa are free to travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia, including both holy cities. Should airlines or accommodation providers need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds and booking modifications will be managed according to the policies of the respective travel service provider.
Future Additions to the Visa Package
The Ministry of Tourism has indicated that more nationalities will be integrated into the Visa Package initiative in future expansions. By enhancing accessibility to these visa services, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a prime destination for travelers worldwide, promoting cultural exchange and tourism in the Kingdom.