What is the New Package E-Visa?
Saudi Arabia has launched a 'Package Visa' initiative, a new route for tourists from select countries, including India, to obtain an electronic visa. Unlike traditional visa applications, this system integrates the e-visa process directly into the booking
of a travel package. This means your flights, accommodation, and visa are all handled in a single transaction through approved travel providers. The initiative is part of a pilot program that officially began in July 2026, aimed at simplifying the visitor journey as the Kingdom works towards its Vision 2030 tourism goals. India is one of the first seven countries to be included in this new service.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
This specific Package Visa service is currently available exclusively to passport holders from seven countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. This is significant because these nationalities are not on the list of 66 countries eligible for Saudi Arabia's standard tourist e-visa based on nationality alone. The package visa, therefore, provides a dedicated electronic pathway for Indian citizens who do not hold other qualifying credentials (like a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa) to visit for tourism. Travellers under 18 must be linked to an adult in the same booking.
How the Application Process Works
The process is designed to be entirely digital and integrated with your travel planning. According to the official Visit Saudi platform, there are five main stages. First, you choose or customise a travel package through an approved provider. Next, you upload your passport details and a personal photo. After that, you complete the booking and payment for the entire package. The system then conducts an automated verification of your eligibility and information. Finally, you receive your electronic tourist visa. Approved platforms currently include Reserval, Almosafer, and Webook.
Key Conditions and Costs
This visa is not a standalone product; it's tied to the travel package you book. To qualify, packages must typically include a confirmed return flight and accommodation at a hotel rated four stars or higher. The trip duration must be between two and 88 days, and bookings must be made at least two days before departure. There is also a minimum spending requirement. According to one approved provider, the minimum package value is SAR 4,000 (approximately ₹89,000) per adult for the first two days. This price includes the cost of travel services as well as around SAR 402 (approximately ₹9,000) for the visa, mandatory health insurance, and processing.
How It Differs From Other Visa Routes
For Indian travellers, this new package route offers an alternative to other existing pathways. Previously, options for a tourist visa included applying for a visa on arrival or an e-visa if you held a valid and previously used visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area. Another option was the 96-hour stopover visa, intended for short stays during transit. The new Package Visa removes the dependency on holding a third-country visa and bundles all components, which may offer convenience, although it's important to compare the total cost against booking everything separately. The visa issued through this program is described as a single-entry visa tied specifically to the dates of your booked trip.
A Push for Mainstream Tourism
This visa simplification is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify its economy and become a major global tourism hub. The country aims to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030 and has identified India as a top priority market, with a target of hosting 7.5 million Indian visitors by that year. By making the entry process smoother for leisure travellers, the Kingdom is actively working to showcase its attractions beyond religious pilgrimage, promoting its cultural heritage sites, modern cities, and a growing calendar of entertainment and sporting events.
