A New Digital Gateway for Travellers
Saudi Arabia has launched a 'Package Visa' initiative, a major step in making the country more accessible to international visitors, including those from India. This new system, part of a pilot program, bundles the electronic tourist visa with flights
and accommodation into a single, integrated booking. The key difference is that instead of applying for a visa separately, the e-visa is issued as part of a complete travel package purchased through an approved platform. This move is significant because India was not previously on the list of countries eligible for the standard tourist e-visa based on nationality alone. The new route provides a dedicated and simplified pathway for Indian passport holders to secure a tourist visa. The initiative, launched in July 2026, aims to reduce paperwork and streamline the entire travel process from planning to arrival.
Understanding the 'Package-Based' Requirement
The term 'package-based' means the e-visa is not a standalone product; it's intrinsically linked to a pre-booked travel itinerary. To be eligible, Indian travellers must book a package that includes return flights and hotel accommodation through a tourism provider approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Currently, platforms like Almosafer, Webook, and Reserval are listed as official providers. There are specific conditions attached to these packages. For instance, bookings must be made at least 48 hours before departure, with a minimum trip duration of two days and a maximum stay of 88 days. Furthermore, the accommodation must be at a hotel rated four stars or higher, and the flight and hotel dates must match for the entire duration of the stay.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process is designed to be entirely digital, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate. The first step for an Indian traveller is to choose a pre-designed or customized travel package from one of the approved online travel platforms. After selecting flights and hotels, the applicant uploads their passport details and a recent personal photograph. The next step is to complete the payment online, which covers the entire package, including the visa fee. An automated verification system then checks the applicant's eligibility and information. Once approved, the electronic tourist visa is issued and sent directly to the applicant's email, along with mandatory travel insurance.
Costs, Eligibility, and What the Visa Includes
The 'Package Visa' is currently available exclusively to citizens of seven countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia. While there is a cost for the visa itself (around SAR 402, or approximately ₹9,000), there are also minimum spending requirements for the travel package. According to conditions published by one provider, the package must have a minimum value of SAR 4,000 (about ₹89,000) for the first two days, with an additional SAR 1,000 for each extra day. The e-visa obtained through this route allows for tourism-related activities, visiting family, attending events, and even performing Umrah outside of the Hajj season. It's important to note that this tourist visa does not permit employment.
Part of a Broader Tourism Strategy
This new visa pathway is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify its economy and boost its tourism sector. The Kingdom has set a goal of attracting 7.5 million Indian travellers by 2030, positioning India as a top source market for inbound tourism. By simplifying the entry process, Saudi authorities hope to encourage more leisure travellers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups, and even wedding parties from India. This initiative complements other recent measures, such as the 96-hour stopover visa and increased air connectivity, all designed to showcase the country's attractions beyond its religious significance. These attractions include the ancient city of AlUla, the futuristic city of Neom, and the luxury resorts of the Red Sea.
