MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has launched the pilot phase of its new Tourism Package Visa, allowing visitors to obtain an electronic visa as part of a single package that includes flights, accommodation and insurance booked through authorized travel providers.
The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and with the Insurance Authority, is part of efforts to simplify travel procedures, accelerate digital transformation and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by increasing tourism’s contribution to the national economy, according to a recent report by Saudi Press Agency.
The pilot phase covers several international markets, including Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Mexico.
The package enables visitors to perform Umrah, visit relatives and friends, attend events and explore destinations across the Kingdom.
Travel and tourism specialists welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step toward improving the visitor experience while expressing hope that future phases will expand participation to more licensed Saudi travel companies.
