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The Saudi Press Agency announced the pilot program’s activation through selected travel and tourism companies. Eligible visitors from pilot markets can bundle their tourist visa with transportation, lodging and related elements. This system is designed to reduce the complexity of separate visa applications while supporting broader sector growth.
Industry reports indicate the initial rollout focuses on travelers from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mexico. The package includes round-trip flights, accommodation and visa issuance handled directly by the provider. Approvals are anticipated to be processed rapidly, often within two days, appealing to a wide range of leisure and business travelers.
Saudi Arabia has recorded strong tourism growth since introducing its electronic visa system several years ago. Ministry of Tourism data shows international visitors exceeded 100 million in 2024, building on earlier liberalization measures. The latest pilot seeks to expand on this progress with a more integrated booking process.
A press release on the development described the initiative as integrating visa processing into travel bookings to create a seamless experience. Travel agents and operators within the approved network will manage package purchases and related facilitation. The program remains limited to specific markets as authorities assess its initial performance.
The launch supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals of increasing the tourism sector’s economic contribution through diversified offerings. A World Travel and Tourism Council assessment projected sustained expansion across the Gulf if enabling policies continue. Officials plan to use pilot feedback to guide potential scaling to additional countries.
Further details on participation, including approved provider lists, are available via the Ministry of Tourism website. The pilot forms part of ongoing digital enhancements aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global tourism competitiveness. Early monitoring will focus on uptake rates and user experiences to refine the program.
