Saudi Arabia launches new package visa for tourists

Saudi Arabia has introduced the pilot phase of its new Package Visa program, a digital initiative designed to simplify international travel

Saudi Arabia has introduced the pilot phase of its new Package Visa program, a digital initiative designed to simplify international travel by allowing visitors to book flights, accommodation, and visas through a single integrated platform. The move is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to strengthen its tourism sector and make travel planning more convenient for visitors from around the world.

The new system enables eligible travelers to obtain their entry visa while booking a complete travel package, eliminating the need to use separate platforms for flights, hotels, and visa applications. By bringing these services together into one streamlined process, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce the time and effort typically required to organize an international trip.

The initiative has been developed through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Insurance Authority. The partnership reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing travel services and creating a more efficient experience for international tourists.

In addition to flights, hotel reservations, and visa processing, the platform allows travelers to enhance their itineraries by adding event tickets, local attractions, guided tours, and other tourism experiences during the booking process. This integrated approach is intended to provide visitors with a comprehensive travel solution while encouraging them to explore a wider range of destinations and activities across the Kingdom.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said the launch of the Package Visa demonstrates the country’s determination to improve the visitor experience as the tourism industry continues to expand rapidly. He noted that integrating visa issuance with travel bookings simplifies the journey for international visitors while making Saudi Arabia a more accessible destination.

According to Al Khateeb, the initiative also promotes stronger collaboration across the tourism sector by connecting airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and tourism service providers through a unified digital system. He added that the program supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision of becoming one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

The Package Visa forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to remove barriers to travel and diversify its economy by expanding non-oil industries, including tourism. The Kingdom has invested heavily in digital transformation and tourism infrastructure in recent years, introducing several measures aimed at attracting international visitors.

To ensure high standards of service and traveler safety, the Package Visa is currently available only through certified travel operators that meet strict quality requirements. These approved providers are expected to maintain high service standards while offering 24-hour customer support throughout the traveler’s journey.

The latest initiative follows the successful introduction of several other travel programs, including the tourist e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, and the Stopover Transit Visa. Together, these measures have contributed to significant growth in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.

According to official figures, the Kingdom welcomed more than 29 million inbound visitors during 2025, reflecting a record-breaking increase in international tourism. Authorities believe the new Package Visa will build on that momentum by making travel planning easier and encouraging more tourists to choose Saudi Arabia as their next destination.

The integrated system is also expected to benefit the global travel industry by enabling tour operators to create more competitive travel packages, simplify customer logistics, and promote longer stays through customized itineraries featuring cultural, entertainment, and leisure experiences.

For now, the Package Visa is being introduced through certified travel and tourism providers in selected international markets as part of its pilot phase. Saudi officials have indicated that, following successful implementation, the program will be expanded to additional markets as part of a wider global rollout, further supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a major international tourism hub.