A New, Integrated Path to a Saudi Visa
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new, simplified route for Indian travellers to obtain a tourist e-visa. Known as the “Package Visa,” this service allows applicants to get their visa electronically and instantly when they book an integrated travel package
through tourism companies approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. This initiative is a major step in making the Kingdom more accessible and is currently available to citizens of seven countries, including India. The new pathway is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, making India a top source market for tourism. This streamlined process bypasses the need for a separate, traditional visa application at an embassy for this specific visa type, integrating it directly into the holiday planning process.
How the Package Visa Process Works
The core idea behind the Package Visa is convenience. Instead of applying for a visa separately, travellers can now handle it all in one go. The process involves booking a travel package that must include both flights and accommodation. Travellers simply choose a destination in Saudi Arabia, select their flights and hotel through an approved partner's platform, and complete the booking. During this process, they provide the necessary details for the visa. Upon successful payment for the package, the electronic tourist visa is processed automatically and delivered directly to the traveller's email, often within 24 hours. This eliminates the uncertainty and extra steps associated with traditional visa applications, offering a seamless experience from booking to departure.
Who Are the Approved Tourism Partners?
The success of this new system hinges on a network of approved travel partners. These are not just any travel agents, but platforms and companies officially sanctioned by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism. Currently, the official Visit Saudi platform lists providers such as Almosafer, Webook, and Reserval as partners for this service. These platforms guide users through building their travel itinerary—from multi-city journeys to adding local activities—while seamlessly incorporating the visa application. For other visa types or processes that still require biometrics, VFS Tasheer centres continue to operate across India, providing administrative support for visa services. However, for the new Package Visa, travellers must use one of the specified online travel providers.
Key Benefits for Indian Travellers
This development offers several significant advantages for Indians planning a trip to the Kingdom. The most obvious benefit is the sheer convenience and speed. The visa is issued electronically and instantly upon purchasing the tourism package, removing the need to visit an embassy or fill out a separate, lengthy application. This integration reduces paperwork, saves time, and provides certainty, as travellers know their visa is secured when they book their trip. It makes Saudi Arabia a much more appealing destination for spontaneous getaways and short breaks. The process also includes mandatory health insurance, bundling another essential travel requirement into the package. It's a clear move to reduce friction and make the entire travel experience smoother from the very first step.
Eligibility and What You'll Need
This specific Package Visa service is currently exclusive to passport holders from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. While the approved partner will guide you through the exact requirements during the booking process, standard documents are typically needed. Applicants should be prepared to provide a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry and two blank pages. A recent, clear passport-style photograph with a white background is also a standard requirement. Since the visa is tied to a travel package, you will inherently provide proof of accommodation and flight bookings as part of the process. This new pathway is specifically for a tourist e-visa, which also permits travellers to perform Umrah, though it is not valid for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which has its own distinct visa process.
