Saudi Arabia launches Package Visa pilot to simplify travel ...Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has launched the Package Visa pilot through approved general travel and tourism service providers in selected pilot markets.The new initiative enables eligible visitors to obtain a tourist visa as part of an integrated travel package. It is the result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the Insurance Authority.The Package Visa builds on a series of reforms introduced since the launch of Saudi Arabia's tourist e-Visa, including the visa on arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa, offering visitors more flexible ways to enter the Kingdom. These initiatives helped Saudi Arabia welcome more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the initiative reflects the Kingdom's commitment to making travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible and seamless."Saudi Arabia's tourism story has always been about ambition, openness and continuous progress. With the Package Visa, we are taking the next step: empowering our travel and tourism partners, simplifying the journey for visitors, and creating a smarter, more seamless way to experience Saudi Arabia. This pilot is a glimpse of what comes next, and we invite our partners and future visitors to be part of it," he said.Under the pilot, eligible travelers can book their trips through qualified travel and tourism service providers, combining round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hospitality facilities and the electronic tourist visa application into a single package. Providers may also include events, activities and tourism experiences.The Ministry of Tourism said the initiative is expected to make Saudi travel packages more attractive by reducing administrative steps for visitors while helping service providers create higher-value itineraries that encourage longer stays and increased visitor spending.To ensure service quality, only travel providers meeting strict eligibility requirements, including digital booking platforms, 24/7 technical support and customer service centers, will be allowed to participate in the program.The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia continues to post record tourism performance.According to the Ministry of Tourism's 2025 Annual Statistical Report, the Kingdom welcomed around 123 million inbound and domestic tourists last year, up approximately 6% from 2024.Total tourism spending reached a record SR304 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year, while the sector contributed 4.9% of Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2024, with its economic contribution continuing to grow in 2025.The report showed that Saudi Arabia received 29.3 million international visitors, generating SR176.6 billion in inbound tourism spending, while 93.3 million domestic tourists spent SR127.1 billion. It also found that non-religious travel accounted for approximately 52% of inbound overnight visits in 2025, compared with 44% in 2019.Employment in tourism industries reached nearly 1.03 million jobs in 2025, with Saudi women accounting for around 47% of Saudi employees in tourism-related activities, up significantly from 5% at the end of 2018.

Hence then, the article about saudi arabia launches package visa pilot to simplify travel was published today ( Tuesday 07/07/2026 - 01:48 AM ) and is available on ٍٍٍSaudi Gazette ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Saudi Arabia launches Package Visa pilot to simplify travel )

Last updated : 07 July 2026 clock 01:48 AM

Also on site :

Saudi Arabia launches Package Visa pilot to simplify travel ...Saudi Arabia

Former Sacramento-area Macy's could become self-storage facility, sparking concerns from neighbors

Release of Marine veteran from Russian custody turns focus to other detainees with health concerns

CDK vs SDS Match Prediction Today: Central Delhi Kings vs South Delhi Superstarz, Qualifier 1, DPL 2026

The next tropical storm developing in the Atlantic will be called Dolly

Who is Dev Chaudhary? DPL 2026 player whose selection drew criticism over batting credentials

Fire in Pakistan hospital nursery kills at least 14 newborns, officials say

EastEnders airs Darnell twist and toxic Amy Mitchell kiss in early BBC iPlayer release

200 MW/400 MWh Energy Storage Project Accelerates Delivery with Sungrow's Full-Chain Intelligent Delivery

More than 50 kidnapped as violent gang attack in Haiti leaves 47 dead

Más de una docena de bebés murieron en un incendio en un hospital de la capital de Pakistán

Target faces renewed backlash for Halloween costume with 'minstrel show features'

Oil prices fall 2% on Iran-Oman talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Amanda Kernell Is More Interested in ‘Liberation Than a Curse’ as Her Third Feature ‘Brace Your Heart’ Debuts Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

At least 15 infants killed in Islamabad hospital fire, local TV reports

How the late Dolly Parton’s free book program reaches more than 8,000 Sacramento children