Saudi Arabia names first seven countries eligible for its new Package Visa program

The program lets eligible travelers get an eVisa bundled with flights and licensed hotels through approved agencies, with visas issued within 48 hours of booking

Saudi Arabia has revealed the first seven nationalities that can apply for its new Package Visa: Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. The program lets travelers from these countries obtain an electronic tourist visa as part of a single booking that also covers flights and accommodation, according to Gulf News.

The Ministry of Tourism confirmed that additional nationalities will be brought on board as the program rolls into later rounds.

How the Package Visa works

Instead of applying for a visa through an embassy or a government portal, eligible travelers book their entire trip through one of two accredited travel agencies: Reserval and Almosafer. The booking must include tickets for the outbound and return journey, a room at a hotel that holds at least four stars and is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, and the electronic visa paperwork. Optional add-ons like event tickets and leisure experiences can also be included.

Once the package purchase is complete, the visa is issued electronically within 48 hours. Travelers receive their visa, travel insurance documents, and booking confirmations by email.

Visa terms and pricing

The Package Visa is good for three months once issued, restricted to one entry, and covers trips lasting anywhere from a couple of days up to 88.

On pricing, the minimum package cost is SR 4,000 (US$1,066) per adult for the first two days, with an additional SR 1,000 ($267) charged for each extra day. The total visa fee built into the package comes to SR 402.21 ($107), which covers both the visa itself and mandatory travel insurance.

What is and isn't included

The packages do not cover Umrah-related services or arrangements in Makkah and Madinah. However, once a visa holder arrives in Saudi Arabia, they are free to travel anywhere in the country, including both holy cities.

If a booking falls apart due to circumstances outside the traveler's control, whether that means canceled flights or unavailable accommodation, the agency that made the sale is responsible for sorting out money back or alternative arrangements under its own terms.

What comes next

The Ministry of Tourism has indicated that the seven-country list is just the starting point. More nationalities will be added as the program expands, with Reserval and Almosafer serving as the only approved booking channels for now.