RIYADH (special crosspondent) – In a significant move to streamline entry processes, Saudi Arabia has officially launched a new “Package Visa” pilot program. This initiative is being implemented through approved general travel and tourism service providers in selected pilot markets, as reported by *Saudi Gazette*. The program allows eligible international visitors to acquire a tourist visa seamlessly as part of a fully integrated travel package. This development is the result of collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Insurance Authority. The Package Visa builds upon the Kingdom’s ongoing tourism reforms, following the success of the electronic tourist visa (e-Visa), the visa on arrival, and the Stopover Transit Visa. These combined efforts contributed to Saudi Arabia attracting more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

A Smarter Way to Travel

Under the pilot framework, travelers can secure their trip through qualified tourism operators. This process bundles round-trip flights, accommodations at licensed hospitality facilities, and the electronic tourist visa into a single booking. Service providers are also encouraged to enhance these bundles by adding local events, activities, and specific tourism experiences. Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, emphasized that the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to making travel more accessible. “Saudi Arabia’s tourism story has always been about ambition, openness, and continuous progress,” Al-Khateeb stated. “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.”

Boosting Local Tourism Economy

The Ministry of Tourism highlighted that the program aims to make Saudi travel packages more appealing by reducing administrative red tape for tourists. Concurrently, it empowers service providers to design higher-value itineraries that are intended to stimulate longer stays and increase overall visitor spending. To maintain strict service quality and standard control, only travel providers meeting robust eligibility requirements will be authorized to participate. These requirements include advanced digital booking platforms, 24/7 technical support, and dedicated customer service centers.

Record-Breaking Tourism Growth

The pilot launch comes on the heels of phenomenal growth experienced in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Data from the Ministry of Tourism’s 2025 Annual Statistical Report indicates that the Kingdom welcomed approximately 123 million inbound and domestic tourists last year, marking a 6% growth from 2024. Total tourism expenditure saw a jump of 7%, reaching a record SR304 billion. Notably, non-religious travel constituted about 52% of inbound overnight visits in 2025, an increase from just 44% in 2019, underscoring the successful diversification of the Kingdom’s tourism profile.