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The Saudi Tourism Authority issued a press release announcing the launch of its Package Visa pilot, a digital initiative that directly links tourist visa applications to curated travel bookings through qualified providers. The program initially targets travelers from six countries and forms part of broader measures to ease entry while building on prior expansions of the kingdom’s e-visa system. The authority noted that the fully integrated approach allows visitors to secure all necessary elements in a single transaction, reducing administrative hurdles that have historically complicated trip planning.
According to the authority’s statement, participating travelers book round-trip flights, licensed hotel stays and the electronic visa together, with the visa typically processed within 48 hours of purchase and no embassy visit required. The single-entry visa remains valid for three months, permitting stays from a minimum of two days up to a maximum of 88 days, while the base package starts at 4,000 Saudi riyals per adult for the initial two days plus 1,000 riyals for each additional day. Optional add-ons such as event tickets or leisure activities can be incorporated, though the entire package must be confirmed before the visa activates and canceling the booking revokes the visa.
Saudi Tourism Authority figures show the kingdom welcomed more than 29 million visitors in 2025, a sharp increase that underscores the success of reforms introduced since the e-visa program began in 2019. The authority’s latest step aligns with sustained growth in inbound tourism, which has expanded eligibility to nationals from dozens of countries over recent years through successive policy updates. This pilot further supports collaboration across the travel ecosystem by channeling bookings through approved agencies meeting specific service standards including 24-hour support.
In the press release, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, “As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors. By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience. This initiative also strengthens collaboration across the tourism ecosystem and supports Saudi’s position as an increasingly accessible global destination.”
The authority specified that accommodations must be at ministry-licensed hotels rated four stars or above, and the package does not include dedicated Umrah services although visitors may travel freely throughout the country including to the holy cities. Refunds or modifications follow the policies set by individual travel providers rather than a centralized rule. The initiative avoids separate visa cancellation, ensuring all components remain linked for regulatory compliance.
Additional nationalities will join the program in future phases as the pilot gathers operational data, according to the authority. The move continues a series of enhancements that have progressively lowered barriers for international tourists since the original tourist visa scheme debuted nearly seven years ago. Saudi Tourism Authority data places the sector’s expansion as a central pillar in diversifying the national economy beyond traditional industries.
