What Is the New 'Package Visa'?
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has introduced a 'Package Visa', a digital service designed to simplify the entire travel planning process. Instead of booking flights, searching for hotels, and applying for a tourist visa through separate channels,
this new system allows travellers to handle everything in one go through an authorised travel agency or an approved online platform. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a long-term plan to boost tourism and make the country a more accessible global destination. The pilot program for this package has been rolled out in seven countries, with India being one of the first to gain access.
How Does the Integrated Booking Work?
The process is designed for convenience. Travellers start by choosing a pre-designed or customised holiday package from an authorised provider. This package must include a confirmed round-trip flight and accommodation at a Ministry-licensed hotel rated four stars or higher. After uploading passport details and a photograph, the traveller completes the payment online. The system then automatically verifies the information. Once approved, the tourist e-visa is issued electronically, mandatory health insurance is added, and all travel documents are sent directly to the traveller's email, eliminating the need for a separate visa application or an embassy visit.
Key Requirements and Costs
This streamlined process comes with specific conditions. The total package must have a minimum value of SAR 4,000 (approximately ₹89,000) for the first two days. The visa and health insurance fee is SAR 402.2 (around ₹9,000), which is included in the package cost. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours before departure. A single application can cover a group of up to nine adults and five minors, making it a practical option for families and small groups travelling together. It is important to note this is not a visa waiver; it's a new method of obtaining a visa that is tied directly to a travel booking.
Who Benefits from This Package?
This initiative is particularly beneficial for Indian travellers who do not hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, as it provides a direct route for obtaining a tourist visa without needing prior travel history to those specific regions. It caters to a wide range of visitors, from leisure tourists and families to business travellers and even religious pilgrims. The integrated Nusuk platform, which facilitates Umrah and Hajj journeys, is part of this broader digital ecosystem, allowing pilgrims to arrange their spiritual journey with greater ease. The package also encourages exploration of Saudi's diverse destinations beyond the holy cities, including cultural sites like AlUla and Red Sea resorts.
The 96-Hour Stopover Visa Alternative
For those with shorter travel plans or who are transiting through Saudi Arabia, the 96-hour Stopover Visa remains an excellent option. This visa is free of charge and can be obtained when booking flights with national carriers like Saudia or Flynas. The process takes only a few minutes during the flight booking, and the visa is emailed almost instantly upon approval. This single-entry visa is valid for three months from issuance and allows a stay of up to four days. It also permits the holder to perform Umrah, provided they register on the Nusuk app.
