Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital visa initiative, the 'Package Visa,' designed to simplify travel for Indian visitors by integrating tourist visa applications directly into curated travel bookings. Announced on 6 July 2026, the move is part of the kingdom's broader strategy to enhance its tourism sector and make the country more accessible to international travelers.
The Package Visa is being rolled out through qualified travel and tourism service providers in select international markets, including India. This follows the successful implementation of other visa options such as the tourist e-Visa, visa on arrival, and the Stopover Transit Visa, which collectively contributed to over 29 million inbound visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Streamlined Booking Process
For travelers, the Package Visa reduces the complexity of trip planning by allowing them to book flights, accommodation, and visas in one streamlined process. The integration also offers the option to include events, activities, and tourism experiences, enhancing the overall travel experience. This is particularly relevant for Indian travelers, who represent a growing source market for Saudi tourism.
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, stated, “As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors. By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience.”
Qualified travel and tourism service providers stand to benefit by offering more attractive travel packages and encouraging longer stays. The initiative ensures a reliable travel experience by partnering only with providers that meet stringent service standards and offer 24/7 customer support. This could be a boon for tour operators and agents looking to package Saudi itineraries with airlines like Saudia or flynas, and hotels such as the upcoming Ascott villa community in Riyadh.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism offerings, the Package Visa represents a significant step towards making travel to the country more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors. The kingdom has been actively investing in tourism infrastructure, including boosting flight capacity from China and launching digital platforms like TourismX AI to reshape the visitor economy.
For Indian travelers, the Package Visa could simplify trips to destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea coast. The initiative aligns with Saudi's Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and attract more international tourists. With over 29 million inbound visitors in 2025, the kingdom is on track to meet its target of 150 million annual visits by 2030.
