Saudi Arabia launches Package Visa pilot for tourists

Saudi Arabia has launched a pilot program for a new digital travel initiative called the Package Visa, designed to simplify the process of visiting the Kingdom by integrating tourist visa applications directly into curated travel bookings. The program, which began on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, allows eligible international travelers to book flights, accommodation, and a visa through a single, integrated process with qualified travel service providers in selected pilot markets.

The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Insurance Authority. It builds upon a series of recent visa reforms, including the tourist eVisa, visa on arrival, and the Stopover Transit Visa, which have all aimed to make entry into Saudi Arabia more flexible.

Under the pilot, travelers can purchase a package that combines roundtrip flights and stays at licensed hotels with the electronic visa application. Providers may also include events, activities, and other tourism experiences to create a more comprehensive itinerary. Officials stated that the program is expected to make Saudi travel packages more...