What is the Package-Based E-Visa?
Saudi Arabia has introduced an innovative "Package Visa" service designed to simplify travel planning. This system allows Indian citizens to get an instant electronic tourist visa (e-visa) when they purchase a complete travel package. Unlike traditional
visa applications that require separate steps and embassy visits, this route integrates the visa, flights, and hotel bookings into a single, seamless transaction. The initiative is part of a pilot program that currently includes India and six other countries, making it a dedicated pathway for nationalities not on the standard e-visa eligibility list. The goal is to reduce paperwork and make visiting the Kingdom a more hassle-free experience.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
This service is exclusively available to citizens and passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. To qualify, travellers must book their trip through a tourism service provider approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. The package has specific minimum requirements: it must include a confirmed round-trip flight, accommodation at a Ministry-licensed hotel with at least a four-star rating, and the visa application itself. The trip must last between two and 88 days, and bookings need to be made at least two days before departure. A single package can include a group of up to 14 people, but any traveller under 18 must be linked to an adult in the same booking.
The Application Process Explained
The application process is fully digital and designed for ease. It begins with selecting an approved travel partner, such as platforms like Almosafer, Webook, or Reserval. From there, you can either choose a pre-designed holiday package or customise your own itinerary. The next step involves uploading your passport details and a personal photograph. After that, you complete the payment for the entire package securely online. Once the payment is made, an automated system verifies your eligibility and the information submitted. Upon successful verification, the electronic tourist visa is issued and sent directly to your email, often within 24 hours.
Understanding Package Costs
The cost of the package is a critical component of eligibility. There is a minimum package value required to qualify for this visa route. For the first two days of the trip, the package must be valued at a minimum of 4,000 Saudi riyals (approximately ₹89,000) per adult. This total includes the cost of travel services like flights and hotels, as well as fees for the visa, insurance, and application processing. For trips longer than two days, the package must include at least an additional 1,000 SAR for each subsequent day per adult. This structure ensures that the visa is tied to a substantive tourism booking.
Documents You Will Need
While the package-based system simplifies the process, you will still need to have key documents ready for the online submission. The primary requirements are a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity and a minimum of two blank pages, along with a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. You will also need confirmed round-trip flight tickets and proof of hotel reservations, which are automatically included as part of your booked package. Unlike some other visa types, this streamlined process generally does not require extensive financial proof like bank statements, as the pre-paid package itself serves as an indicator of financial capacity for the trip.
