Saudi Arabia launches new tourist visa, Pakistan among first eligible countries

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new package tourist visa to make travel easier for international tourists, with citizens of seven countries, including Pakistan, eligible in the first phase.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the aim of this new scheme is to provide visa, flight, hotel booking and travel arrangements on a single platform so that travelers do not have to go through separate steps. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico have been included in the program initially.

Under the new system, travelers will not need to apply for a tourist visa separately, they will be able to purchase an integrated travel package through approved travel providers, which includes flights, accommodation in a licensed hotel and an electronic tourist visa.

According to the Saudi Gazette, the electronic visa will be issued within 48 hours after the purchase of the package is completed. This procedure will also eliminate the need to visit the Saudi embassy or submit a visa application in the traditional way.

The Ministry of Tourism has so far approved Rezrol and Al Musafir as authorized providers of this service, travelers will book packages through these approved agencies, complete online payments and then receive visas, travel insurance and other travel documents via email.

The single-entry tourist visa issued under this scheme will be valid for three months, while visitors will be able to stay in Saudi Arabia for a minimum of two days and a maximum of 88 days.

Economic experts say that this new initiative will make travel to Saudi Arabia easier and faster for Pakistani tourists than before, while it is also expected to help promote tourism between the two countries.