Saudi Arabia has launched the pilot phase of its new Tourism Package Visa, allowing visitors to obtain an electronic visa as part of a single package that includes flights, accommodation and insurance booked through authorized travel providers.
The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and with the Insurance Authority, is part of efforts to simplify travel procedures, accelerate digital transformation and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by increasing tourism’s contribution to the national economy, according to a recent report by Saudi Press Agency.
The pilot phase covers several international markets, including Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Mexico.
The package enables visitors to perform Umrah, visit relatives and friends, attend events and explore destinations across the Kingdom.
Travel and tourism specialists welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step toward improving the visitor experience while expressing hope that future phases will expand participation to more licensed Saudi travel companies.
Hady Fouad Haidar, owner of a travel and tourism company, told Arab News the service is an important initiative that simplifies travel procedures to the Kingdom and reflects the relevant authorities’ commitment to developing visitor services in line with the rapid growth of the tourism sector.
He expressed hope that the future phases would include more Saudi travel and tourism companies, particularly those holding a “general travel and tourism” license.
According to Haidar, wider participation would draw on local expertise, provide visitors with more travel options, and strengthen the private sector’s contribution to tourism development, as well as enhancing competition and improving service quality. He emphasized that Saudi travel companies have the expertise and capabilities to provide comprehensive services in line with the highest standards, thus enhancing the visitor experience.
Haidar added that continued cooperation between the relevant authorities, notably the Ministries of Tourism and Hajj and Umrah, would help integrate visitor services and clarify the options available, ensuring a smoother experience from planning through to departure from the Kingdom.
Ahmed Saleh Halabi, a Hajj and Umrah services adviser, told Arab News the previous visa system focused primarily on Umrah and visit visas.
He explained that visitors wishing to perform Umrah were generally required to book through companies licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, even for short visits, often purchasing specific travel programs and services that reduced flexibility for some travelers.
Halabi noted that the launch of the new service gives visitors greater flexibility and allows them to combine the performance of Umrah rituals with visits to destinations across the Kingdom.
He said the initiative will contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by increasing visitor numbers, improving service quality, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global tourism destination, and creating new opportunities for tourism-related sectors.
He added that the growing numbers of beneficiaries will create promising opportunities for Saudi youths, particularly in transportation, tour guiding, and support services, supporting local content and increasing the contribution of national talent to the tourism sector.
Credit:Arab News
