Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Package Visa as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to boost tourism, offering international travellers a simplified digital application process that combines flights, hotel bookings, health insurance and an electronic tourist visa into a single transaction.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has launched the programme in its pilot phase, targeting selected countries before expanding the service globally. The initiative aims to make travel to the Kingdom more convenient while improving the quality of tourism services through approved travel partners.
Who is eligible?
During the initial rollout, the Package Visa is available to citizens of seven countries:
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Pakistan
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India
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Bangladesh
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Indonesia
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Egypt
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Jordan
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Mexico
Eligible travellers must apply through registered travel agents participating in the programme, where all travel arrangements are processed through one digital platform.
Package Visa costs and requirements
The Saudi government has introduced minimum spending requirements for applicants under the new system.
For the first two days of travel, each adult must book a package worth at least 4,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR), equivalent to approximately $1,065. Every additional day requires a minimum expenditure of 1,000 SAR (around $266).
Applicants must also pay 402.21 SAR (approximately $107), covering the electronic tourist visa fee and mandatory travel health insurance.
To qualify, every booking must include accommodation at a Ministry-approved hotel with a minimum four-star rating, along with confirmed flight reservations. The complete travel package must be booked and fully paid at least 48 hours before departure.
Tourist visa vs. Business Visit Visa
Saudi authorities have clarified that the new Package Visa is intended exclusively for tourism, holidays, family visits and Umrah. It does not permit employment or commercial work.
The tourist visa allows either single or multiple entries, with visitors permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 365-day period.
In contrast, the Business Visit Visa is designed for meetings, conferences, negotiations and feasibility studies. It offers multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit, allowing travellers to re-enter the Kingdom without annual stay restrictions. However, it also does not permit employment without a separate work permit.
New corporate visa rules
Saudi Arabia has also updated its instant work visa policy through the Qiwa digital platform. Companies operating for less than two years can obtain up to five instant work visas, while businesses older than two years with a Medium Green or higher Saudisation rating may apply for up to 50 instant visas per week.
Authorities have also extended the deadline until December 31, 2026, for companies to regularise expired visas of foreign workers. Businesses that fail to comply may face heavy fines and suspension from the Qiwa platform.
The new measures reflect Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to modernise its immigration system, attract more international visitors and support economic diversification under Vision 2030.
