A New, Simplified Gateway
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a new 'Package Visa' service, and Indian citizens are among the first to be eligible during its pilot phase. This initiative aims to eliminate the traditional complexities of international travel planning, where flights, hotels,
and visas are handled as separate, often challenging, steps. Instead, it offers a unified digital process where a traveller can book a complete package from an approved travel provider, and the tourist eVisa is issued automatically as part of the booking. The goal is to reduce paperwork, save time, and create a smoother experience for visitors from the moment they start planning their trip. This service is available through authorised online travel partners like Almosafer, WeBook, and Reserval.
What the All-in-One Package Includes
The core of the Package Visa is its comprehensive nature. Every booking must include a confirmed round-trip flight and accommodation at a Ministry-licensed hotel with a rating of at least four stars. The package also covers the cost and issuance of the electronic tourist visa and mandatory health insurance for the trip. This integrated approach ensures all essential components are secured in one go. Travellers can also choose to add other experiences to their itinerary, such as sightseeing tours, cultural activities, and event tickets, depending on the options provided by the travel partner. The minimum duration for a trip under this package is two days, and it can extend up to 88 days.
Part of a Bigger Vision
This streamlined travel process is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a transformative plan to diversify its economy and establish the Kingdom as a top-tier global tourism destination. By making travel more accessible, Saudi Arabia aims to attract a wider range of international visitors beyond religious pilgrims and business travellers. India is a crucial market in this strategy, with the Saudi Tourism Authority setting an ambitious goal to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by 2030. This package visa is one of several initiatives, including increased flight connectivity and the development of new attractions, designed to make Saudi Arabia more appealing to Indian leisure travellers.
How the Process Works for Indians
For Indian passport holders, who are not on the list of countries eligible for the standard direct eVisa, this package route provides a welcome new channel. The process is entirely digital and designed for simplicity. A traveller begins by visiting one of the authorised travel platforms. There, they can either choose a pre-designed package or build a custom trip by selecting flights and hotels. After customising their itinerary, the applicant uploads their passport details and a personal photo. The final step is to complete the secure payment for the entire package. Once the booking is confirmed and the information is verified through an automated system, the electronic tourist visa is generated and delivered via email, often within 24 hours.
Distinction from Umrah and Hajj Platforms
It is important to distinguish this new tourist package from the platforms used for religious pilgrimages. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah manages Hajj and Umrah travel through its own dedicated digital platform, Nusuk. While Nusuk also streamlines the process of booking and permits for pilgrims, it is a separate system. Currently, Indian citizens cannot apply for Umrah visas directly through the public Nusuk platform but must go through licensed Umrah travel agents in India. The new Package Visa, on the other hand, is specifically for tourism and is available directly to Indian travellers through the approved commercial travel websites.
