What is the New Package E-Visa?
Saudi Arabia has introduced an innovative visa pathway specifically for travellers from select countries, including India. This isn't a new type of visa, but a new way of getting one. The "Package Visa" service integrates the electronic tourist visa (e-visa)
application directly into a travel booking. Instead of applying for a visa separately through an embassy or government portal, Indian travellers can now obtain their e-visa automatically when they purchase a complete travel package from an approved provider. This package must include both flights and accommodation. The initiative, launched in mid-2026, aims to simplify travel, reduce paperwork, and make the Kingdom more accessible as part of its Vision 2030 plan to boost tourism.
Who is Eligible and How to Apply?
This new route is currently available to passport holders from seven countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. The process is designed for simplicity. Travellers need to book their trip through one of the approved online travel platforms, such as Almosafer, Webook, or Reserval. The application involves five main steps: choose a pre-made package or build your own, upload your passport details and a personal photo, complete the booking and payment, undergo a quick automated verification, and then receive your e-visa via email, often within 24 to 48 hours. You must be 18 or older to apply, or be accompanied by a guardian.
Key Requirements of the Travel Package
To qualify for the package e-visa, the booking has specific requirements. The travel package must include a confirmed round-trip flight and a stay at a Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotel with a rating of at least four stars. The trip duration can be between two and 88 days. There's also a minimum spending requirement for the package. The trip must have a value of at least SAR 4,000 (approximately ₹89,000) per adult for the first two days, with an additional SAR 1,000 (around ₹22,000) for each subsequent day. The total visa fee itself, which includes mandatory medical insurance, is around SAR 402 (about ₹9,000) and is part of the package price.
Benefits for Indian Travellers
The primary advantage of this route is convenience. It consolidates multiple tedious steps—visa application, flight booking, and hotel reservation—into a single, seamless transaction. This is particularly significant because India is not on the list of 66 countries eligible for Saudi Arabia's standard tourist e-visa, making this package a crucial new pathway for online application. While the issued visa is typically a single-entry permit valid for three months, it allows for a stay of up to 88 days, offering ample time to explore. Furthermore, holders of this tourist visa are permitted to perform Umrah, though they must use the Nusuk app to schedule their visit.
Exploring Beyond the Traditional
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to showcase its diverse attractions beyond religious pilgrimage. While Mecca and Medina are accessible with this visa, the Kingdom is actively promoting its other destinations. Indian travellers can now more easily plan trips to explore the futuristic skyline of Riyadh, dive in the pristine waters of the Red Sea, or discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in AlUla. With the visa process simplified, the focus can shift from paperwork to planning an itinerary filled with culture, adventure, and entertainment, from major sporting events to world-class music festivals.
