What is the New 'Package Visa'?
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new electronic visa service specifically for tourists from a handful of countries, including India. Called the 'Package Visa', this system integrates the visa application process directly into the booking of a travel package.
This means that when you book your flights and accommodation through an approved provider, the electronic tourist visa is included as part of the deal. This initiative, which was launched as a pilot program in July 2026, is designed to make travel to the Kingdom more seamless. It removes the need for a separate, often complicated, visa application process, allowing tourists to arrange their entire trip in one go. Previously, Indian citizens who did not hold a valid visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area had to apply through an embassy or consulate. This new route provides a much simpler alternative.
How to Apply and Who is Eligible
The Package Visa is currently available to citizens of seven countries: India, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. To be eligible, Indian travellers must book a package through a designated tourism platform approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. The process is entirely digital. Applicants choose a pre-designed travel package or customize their own, then upload their passport details and a personal photo before completing the payment. An automated system verifies the information, and the e-visa is typically issued within 24 to 48 hours. The package must include a minimum stay of two days, with some providers stipulating a stay of up to 88 days. It also requires accommodation in a hotel rated four stars or higher. The entire booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
Understanding the Costs and Providers
The cost of the Package Visa is built into the overall price of your travel bundle. There is a minimum package value set by the authorities to qualify for the integrated visa. Reports indicate a starting price of around 4,000 Saudi riyals (approximately ₹88,000) per adult for the first two days of travel. This minimum cost covers the flights, a four-star (or higher) hotel, the visa fee, and mandatory travel insurance. For each additional day, a minimum spend is also required. It's important to treat these figures as a starting point, as the final price will depend on the airline, hotel, and travel dates selected. The official Visit Saudi platform currently lists three approved providers for this service: Almosafer, Webook, and Reserval. Travellers must use one of these platforms to avail the Package Visa.
Part of a Bigger Vision
This new visa scheme is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a massive national strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. A central pillar of this vision is to become a global tourism powerhouse, with a goal of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030. India is considered a top-priority market in this strategy. The Saudi Tourism Authority has set an ambitious target of welcoming 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, which would make India one of its largest inbound markets. By simplifying the visa process and increasing air connectivity with carriers like Saudia, the Kingdom is actively working to make itself a more attractive and accessible destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel from India.
Exploring the Kingdom
With the logistics of travel simplified, Indian tourists can focus on what the Kingdom has to offer. Saudi Arabia is home to a stunning array of attractions, from the gleaming skyscrapers and vibrant art scenes of Riyadh and Jeddah to ancient historical wonders. A major draw is Al-Ula, a breathtaking desert region that contains Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site with monumental tombs carved into rock formations by the Nabataean civilization. The country also boasts the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, which are being developed into major luxury resort destinations. For those interested in cultural and entertainment events, Saudi Arabia now hosts a packed calendar of concerts, film festivals, and major sporting events, aiming to appeal to a wide range of interests. This push for tourism means visitors have a growing list of things to see and do.
