Saudi Arabia launches new visa package
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new pilot "Visa Package" initiative aimed at making travel to the Kingdom easier and more convenient. Under this special program, eligible tourists will be able to obtain a tourism visa through a single integrated package that also includes airline tickets, hotel bookings, and other essential travel services.
According to a report published on Tuesday (July 7) by Gulf News, citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the pilot project will initially be rolled out in selected test markets through authorized travel and tourism agencies.
The key feature of the new visa package is that eligible travelers can apply for their visa through a single platform. The package will include round-trip airline tickets and accommodation at licensed, quality-assured hotels.
In addition, tourists will have the option to customize their itinerary in advance by including visits to Saudi Arabia's tourist attractions, festivals, entertainment events, and other recreational activities. As a result, travelers will no longer need to arrange flights, hotels, and visas separately.
However, only authorized travel agencies with advanced digital platforms, strong technical capabilities, and 24-hour customer support will be eligible to provide this all-in-one service.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy to further expand the country's tourism sector. The special visa package has been jointly developed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Saudi Insurance Authority.
Previously, Saudi Arabia introduced several traveler-friendly measures, including e-visas, visas on arrival, and stopover transit visas. These reforms have significantly boosted international tourism. In 2025 alone, the Kingdom welcomed more than 29 million international visitors.
Commenting on the initiative, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, "Saudi tourism is built on ambition, openness, and continuous progress. With this visa package, we are taking the next major step toward making travel smarter and more seamless. It will strengthen our tourism partners while providing visitors with a smooth and hassle-free travel experience."
The Ministry of Tourism expects the simplified system to encourage foreign visitors to stay longer in the Kingdom. This is expected to enhance the overall travel experience while increasing tourism revenues and foreign currency earnings. The new project is designed to improve accessibility and strengthen partnerships with the private sector, supporting Saudi Arabia's long-term tourism growth ambitions.