RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched a new tourist package visa program aimed at simplifying travel for international visitors, with Pakistan among the first seven countries eligible for the initiative.
As stated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, under the new policy, travellers will be able to acquire their airline tickets, hotel booking and electronic tourist visa through one travel package only without having to apply separately for the visa.
Currently, this program is applicable to the citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico.
Travelers should buy the package from an authorized travel agency. After completing the purchase process, the e-visa, travel insurance, and other travel documents will be received via email.
It is reported that the visa will take just 48 hours after the traveller buys an approved package without needing to visit a Saudi embassy and make an individual visa application.
The tourist visa is single entry visa valid for 90 days and allows visitors to stay in the Kingdom for a minimum of two days to a maximum of 88 days.
The validity period for the single-entry tourist visa would continue to be three months, enabling visitors to spend two days to 88 days in Saudi Arabia.
The minimum cost of two-day tours has been fixed at SAR 4,000 per person, whereas one extra day in addition would cost SAR 1,000. In addition, tourists could opt for sightseeing and entertainment activities along with their travel packages for extra charges.
It has been emphasized that the package does not cover any Umrah arrangements or pilgrimage facilities in Makkah and Madinah. However, the visa holders could visit these two holy places after arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.
It has been highlighted that cancellation of the travel package would lead to automatic cancellation of the related tourist visa.
This is a step under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to promote tourism.
