Understanding the 'Package Visa' for Indians
Saudi Arabia has introduced a special "Package Visa" initiative specifically for travellers from a select group of countries, including India. This route is significant because India is not currently on the list of countries eligible for the standard
tourist e-visa portal. The Package Visa bundles the visa application, flights, accommodation, and mandatory insurance into a single transaction through an approved travel provider. The entire process is handled digitally, eliminating the need for embassy visits and streamlining travel preparations considerably. Travellers can choose a pre-designed package or customise their own, and the visa is typically issued electronically within 48 hours of completing the booking.
Mandatory Flight Requirements
The most fundamental component of the package is a confirmed return flight ticket. This serves as proof of your intention to return to your home country after your visit. While there isn't an explicit rule stating you must fly with a specific airline for the Package Visa, booking through platforms accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism is key. Some of the first platforms to be accredited were Reserval and Almosafer. It's important that your flight booking is confirmed and paid for as part of the overall package, which must be booked at least 48 hours before your intended departure date. The flight itinerary must also align with your hotel booking for the entire duration of your stay.
Specifics of Hotel Accommodation
Your package must include pre-booked and confirmed accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. This isn't just any hotel booking; the rules are quite specific. The accommodation must be at a hotel that is licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and holds a minimum rating of four stars. This requirement ensures a certain standard of quality and safety for tourists visiting the Kingdom. You will need to provide proof of this hotel reservation upon arrival, so having all confirmation documents handy, both digitally and in print, is crucial.
Mandatory Medical Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance is a non-negotiable part of the visa process for all visitors to Saudi Arabia. For those using the Package Visa route, this mandatory insurance is automatically included in your booking. This basic policy typically covers medical emergencies up to a certain limit, such as SAR 100,000 (approximately ₹22 lakhs). It provides a safety net for emergency hospitalisation, diagnostics, and treatment. However, it's important to note that this mandatory insurance may not cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, or pre-existing conditions, so many travellers opt to purchase additional, more comprehensive travel insurance for complete peace of mind.
Minimum Trip Duration and Cost
The Package Visa comes with stipulations regarding the length and value of your trip. There is a required minimum stay of two days. Furthermore, the package must meet a minimum value threshold. For the first two days of the trip, the package must be valued at a minimum of SAR 4,000 per adult. For every additional day you plan to stay, an extra SAR 1,000 is added to this minimum requirement. This structure is in place to ensure that visitors are coming for genuine tourism purposes and have sufficient funds for their stay. The maximum stay permitted under this visa is 88 days.
Booking Through Approved Channels
To ensure your package qualifies for the visa, it must be booked through a travel agency or digital platform that is approved by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism. These authorised providers have integrated systems that automatically verify your information and process the e-visa once payment is complete. Using an unapproved vendor will likely result in your visa application being invalid. The official Visit Saudi website lists the accredited partners, giving travellers a secure and reliable starting point for planning their trip. This process is designed to protect tourists and guarantee that all components of their travel plan meet the Kingdom's requirements.
