Saudi Arabia has introduced a Package Visa pilot program that bundles tourist visas, flights, and hotel bookings into a single travel package, marking the latest step in the Kingdom's push to streamline visitor access under Vision 2030. The initiative, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and the Insurance Authority, is initially available through approved travel and tourism service providers in select pilot markets.
Under the new system, eligible travelers can obtain an electronic tourist visa as part of their holiday booking rather than applying separately. The integrated package includes round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hospitality establishments, and the visa, with the option to add attractions, events, and tourism experiences. The approach is designed to reduce administrative steps while creating a smoother booking experience for visitors.
Building on Travel Reforms
The Package Visa builds on a series of travel reforms introduced since Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism. Following the launch of the Kingdom's tourist e-Visa, Saudi Arabia has progressively expanded visitor access through initiatives including visa on arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa. Together, these measures have helped accelerate inbound tourism, with the Kingdom welcoming more than 29 million international visitors in 2025 as it works towards its Vision 2030 target of 150 million annual visitors.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: “Saudi Arabia's tourism story has always been about ambition, openness, and continuous progress. With the Package Visa, we are taking the next step: empowering our travel and tourism partners, simplifying the journey for visitors, and creating a smarter, more seamless way to experience Saudi Arabia.” Al-Khateeb added that the pilot programme offers a glimpse of how travel to the Kingdom could evolve in the years ahead.
The initiative is expected to benefit not only travellers but also tour operators and travel companies. By incorporating the visa application into holiday packages, travel providers will be able to offer more convenient booking experiences while creating higher-value itineraries that encourage longer stays and increased visitor spending. This aligns with broader industry trends, such as Hope Street Hotel's 18% direct revenue lift after a unified booking platform launch, demonstrating the value of integrated booking solutions.
The Ministry said only qualified travel and tourism service providers will participate in the programme. Eligible companies must meet strict operational requirements, including offering digital booking platforms, 24-hour customer support, and dedicated technical assistance to ensure a seamless visitor experience. As Saudi Arabia continues to compete for a larger share of the global tourism market, initiatives such as the Package Visa demonstrate how the Kingdom is increasingly focusing not only on attracting visitors but also on making every stage of the travel journey simpler, faster, and more connected.
The pilot is particularly relevant for travel agents and tour operators looking to package Saudi Arabia as a destination. With the ability to offer all-inclusive packages that include visa processing, these professionals can reduce friction for clients and potentially increase conversion rates. The move also complements Saudi Arabia's efforts to boost capacity from key source markets, such as the recent 91% increase in flight capacity from China, targeting high-spend visitors.
For hoteliers and hospitality groups, the Package Visa could drive longer stays and higher spending. Properties like those operated by Ascott, which is opening its first Saudi villa community in Riyadh by 2026, stand to benefit from increased demand for integrated travel solutions. Similarly, cruise lines and tour operators can leverage the streamlined visa process to create multi-day itineraries that include Saudi stops, potentially boosting the Kingdom's appeal as a cruise destination.
The Package Visa pilot is a clear signal that Saudi Arabia is serious about removing barriers to entry for international tourists. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and policy reforms, travel professionals should watch for expansion of the program to additional markets and service providers. The initiative represents a significant step toward making Saudi Arabia a seamless, accessible destination for global travelers.
