Understanding the 'Package Visa'
Saudi Arabia's 'Package Visa' is a new initiative designed to streamline the travel process for tourists from select countries, including India. It's not a separate type of visa but rather an all-in-one booking method. Through authorised travel agencies
or licensed platforms, travellers can book their flights, hotel, mandatory insurance, and obtain their electronic tourist visa in a single transaction. The goal is to reduce paperwork and make trip planning more convenient. This service was launched as a pilot program in July 2026 for seven countries, with India being one of the first to get access. It's an alternative to applying for a visa through other routes, bundling the key components of your trip into one verified purchase.
Who is Eligible for a Saudi Tourist E-Visa?
For Indian passport holders, eligibility for a Saudi tourist e-visa depends on a few pathways. By nationality alone, Indians are not on the primary e-visa eligibility list. However, you can qualify for an e-visa or visa-on-arrival if you hold a valid, used tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or a Schengen country. Permanent residency in the US, UK, or the EU also makes you eligible. Another key route is for residents of GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain), who can apply for an e-visa if their residence permit is valid for at least three months. For those who don't meet these criteria, the new Package Visa offers a direct path, as does applying through the official Saudi visa centre in India, run by Tasheer.
Your Step-by-Step Application Guide
If you qualify for the standard e-visa (for example, through a US visa), the process is straightforward via the official portal, visitsaudi.com. You will need to create an account, fill out the application form with details matching your passport, upload the required documents, and pay the fee. For the Package Visa, the process is integrated into your travel booking. You'll book your trip through a licensed platform like Webook.com, which handles the visa issuance instantly upon purchase. This package must include a return flight and accommodation at a 4-star or higher licensed hotel. For all other travellers, applications must go through a Tasheer visa centre, where you submit your documents for processing by the Saudi consulate.
Essential Documents and Costs
Regardless of the application route, you will need several key documents. These include a passport with at least six months of validity, a recent passport-style photograph with a white background, and proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is mandatory and is typically included in the visa fee. The cost can vary. The Package Visa fee, including insurance, is SAR 402.2 (approx. ₹8,900). For the standard e-visa, the total cost is around SAR 480 (approx. ₹10,600), which covers the visa and insurance. If applying through a visa centre, government and service fees can total around ₹12,000 before insurance. It is always best to check the official portals for the most current fee structure before applying.
What to Expect After Applying
Processing times vary. The standard e-visa is known for being quick, often processed within 24 to 72 hours. The Package Visa is designed to be issued instantly upon booking your travel package. For applications submitted through a visa centre, there is no officially published processing time, though online anecdotes suggest it can take around ten to fifteen days. Once approved, the e-visa is delivered electronically to your email address. It is crucial to print a copy and carry it with you during your travels. The standard tourist visa is typically a single-entry visa valid for a 90-day stay, although this can be subject to change.
