Saudi Arabia is making another move to simplify inbound travel with the launch of Package Visa, a new digital initiative that integrates tourist visa applications directly into curated travel bookings. The rollout is currently underway through qualified travel and tourism service providers in selected international markets, including Bangladesh, ahead of a broader global launch.
The idea is to reduce friction for travelers who want to visit Saudi Arabia but may be discouraged by having to arrange flights, hotels, visas and activities through separate steps. With Package Visa, eligible travelers can book a trip through an approved provider and complete the tourist visa process as part of the same journey. The booking can also include events, attractions and other tourism experiences.
The initiative builds on Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to make entry easier for international visitors. Since launching the tourist e-Visa, the country has introduced several additional options, including visa on arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa. Together, those changes have helped support rapid tourism growth, with Saudi Arabia welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said the new system reflects the country’s commitment to making travel more seamless. By linking visa issuance with travel bookings, Saudi Arabia is trying to create a more connected visitor experience from planning to arrival.
For travelers, the benefit is straightforward. Instead of managing several separate transactions, they can use one integrated process to organize the main parts of a trip. That may be especially useful for first-time visitors who want more guidance, families planning multi-stop itineraries, or travelers booking around major events and cultural experiences.
The initiative also gives approved travel companies a stronger role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth. Qualified providers can build more attractive packages, simplify the booking process and encourage visitors to stay longer or add more activities. To participate, providers must meet service standards and offer 24/7 customer support, which is meant to make the experience more reliable for international travelers.
The launch comes as Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as an increasingly accessible destination. The country has invested heavily in tourism, entertainment, heritage sites, resorts, events and destination marketing as part of its wider economic diversification plans. Making visas easier to obtain is a practical part of that strategy.
Package Visa will not replace every other entry option, but it adds another route for travelers who prefer a packaged, guided and digitally connected planning experience. For Saudi Arabia, the bigger goal is clear: turn curiosity into bookings by making the first step of the journey feel simpler.
