Saudi Arabia launches ‘Package Visa’ to simplify travel for tourists

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital travel initiative, the “Package Visa,” aimed at making travel to the Kingdom more convenient by allowing Pakistani and other international tourists to obtain visas alongside their travel bookings.

Under the new system, international visitors will be able to apply for and receive a tourist visa as part of a single integrated booking process that includes flights and hotel reservations.

According to Saudi tourism authorities, the initiative is currently being rolled out in selected international markets through qualified and accredited travel and tourism service providers before a broader global launch.

Previously, travelers were required to complete separate procedures for visa applications, flight reservations, and accommodation bookings.

The new Package Visa is designed to streamline these steps, enabling visitors to arrange their travel requirements through one platform.

The facility will also allow tourists to include events, recreational activities, and other tourism experiences in their travel packages, offering a more comprehensive travel planning experience.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to making travel easier and more accessible for visitors.

“With the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, the Package Visa demonstrates our determination to provide tourists with a seamless and convenient travel experience,” he said.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the service will be available only through approved travel agents and service providers that meet established quality standards and offer round-the-clock customer support.

Officials believe the initiative will help travel companies create more attractive tourism packages, encourage longer stays and further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism destination.

The Package Visa follows several other tourism-focused measures introduced by the Kingdom in recent years, including the tourist e-visa, visa-on-arrival facility, and stopover transit visa.

Saudi Arabia welcomed a record 29 million international tourists in 2025, according to tourism authorities, and officials expect the new visa initiative to contribute to further growth in visitor numbers in the coming years.