The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa scheme called the package visa. This visa scheme aims to simplify the process for travelers who wish to visit the country. By incorporating tourist visa applications into travel bookings, the scheme makes trip planning more convenient than ever.
What Is A Package Visa And What All Does It Include
This visa is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism in Saudi Arabia. The service allows travellers to obtain a tourist visa as part of a bundled travel package, significantly reducing the hassle of making separate arrangements. Currently, this initiative is being rolled out through select qualified travel service providers in various international markets.
Is India On Saudi Arabia’s New Visa Package List? Here’s What You Must Know
For now, travelers from six countries are eligible for the package visa, which includes India, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. These travelers can apply for an electronic tourist visa as part of their travel arrangements by working with accredited agencies.
To obtain the visa, travelers need to choose an approved package from a qualified travel agency accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. After selecting a package, they must make a digital payment as part of the booking process. Following the payment, travelers will receive their electronic visa, travel insurance, and other necessary documents via email within 48 hours.
What Is The Validity For Package Visa
The Package Visa offers a single-entry tourist visa valid for three months, with a minimum stay of two days and a maximum stay of 88 days in Saudi Arabia. Each package must include confirmed round-trip flights, accommodation at a licensed hotel with a minimum four-star rating, and the electronic visa application. The starting price for an adult traveler is SR4,000 for the first two days, and an additional SR1,000 applies for each subsequent day.
While the package visa does not cover services in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, travelers with this visa can explore other places in Saudi Arabia, including these significant cultural sites. For a smooth experience, travelers can rely on the 24/7 customer support offered by authorized travel agencies. In cases where services are canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, modifications and refunds are handled in accordance with the travel service provider’s policies.
What Is The Process To Apply For The Package Visa
This initiative is just the beginning, as the Saudi Ministry of Tourism plans to expand eligibility to more nationalities in the future. This visa simplifies travel arrangements and makes it more accessible for visitors from around the world.
This service is different from the traditional visa, as it provides an electronic visa immediately upon purchasing a travel package. This eliminates the need for embassy visits or lengthy application processes.
The process is quite simple:
- You can choose either a pre-designed travel package or customize your journey to suit your preferences.
- Uploading your passport information and personal photo takes just a few clicks.
- You can finalize your reservation through a secure and smooth payment system.
- Your application will be automatically reviewed to determine your eligibility.
- Once approved, your instant e-visa will be sent to you, allowing you to begin your exploration of Saudi Arabia.
- Currently, travel packages are available through Reserval and Almosafer.
Summing Up
Saudi Arabia’s new visa aims to make travel planning easier by combining an electronic tourist visa, flights, accommodation, and travel insurance into a single booking. The initiative is currently available to travelers from India, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. It allows eligible visitors to receive their e-visa within 48 hours of completing their package booking through approved travel providers.
