Saudi Arabia launches new electronic visa. Photo: Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock.com Saudi Arabia takes another strategic step to make tourism accessible to the country as part of the kingdom's "Vision 2030" by launching the "Package Visa" in selected markets. The list includes Egypt, Jordan, India and Bangladesh.
The new initiative will allow visitors to be issued an electronic tourist visa directly and seamlessly as part of their travel package purchase, without the need to submit a separate application.
Since the launch of the e-Visa in 2019, the Kingdom has introduced a range of flexible entry options, including visa on arrival and transit visas. These programs have significantly accelerated growth in the sector, with the Kingdom hosting over 29 million tourists in 2025.
For travelers, the new service streamlines processes. Instead of managing the flight, hotel and visa booking processes separately, travelers will be able to purchase a unified package that includes round-trip flights, accommodations at licensed accommodations and the visa application, with the option to add tickets to local events, activities and experiences.
At the same time, the move presents a significant opportunity for tourism providers. Integrating the visa into the package removes a key entry barrier, makes holiday packages more attractive and enables the creation of high-value itineraries that encourage longer stays and greater tourism spending. To ensure traveler satisfaction, only tourism providers with high digital capabilities and 24/7 support centers will be allowed to offer the service.
The “package visa” marks the next chapter in the Kingdom’s tourism transformation: easier entry, stronger partnerships with the private sector and a simpler way than ever to discover one of the world’s most intriguing destinations, one that we can only hope we too will be able to enjoy, and even in the near future.