RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has announced the first six countries eligible for its newly introduced Visa Package program, allowing travelers to receive a Saudi tourist visa electronically as part of an integrated travel booking.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the pilot program is currently available to visitors from Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico.

The Visa Package combines round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hotels, and an electronic tourist visa into a single booking, eliminating the need for travelers to submit a separate visa application.

Jeddah Yacht Club.

The ministry said the electronic tourist visa is issued within 48 hours after the travel package purchase is completed, removing the requirement to visit a Saudi embassy.

To use the service, travelers must book an approved package through an authorized travel provider, complete the payment online, and receive their visa, travel insurance, and booking documents by email.

Currently, the Ministry has approved Reserval and Almosafer as the first travel agencies authorized to provide the Visa Package service.

Street of Art in Abha.

The visa issued under the program is a single-entry tourist visa valid for three months, allowing visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for a minimum of two days and up to 88 days. Once issued, the visa cannot be canceled separately, and canceling the travel package automatically invalidates the associated visa.

Each package must include a confirmed return flight, accommodation at a Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotel with a minimum four-star rating, and the electronic tourist visa.

The minimum package cost starts at SR4,000 per adult for the first two days, with an additional SR1,000 charged for each extra day.

Travelers may also add optional experiences such as entertainment events, attractions, and leisure activities to their package.

Although the travel packages do not include Umrah services or arrangements within the holy cities, visa holders are permitted to travel throughout Saudi Arabia, including Makkah and Madinah, after entering the Kingdom.

The ministry added that if flights or hotel bookings are canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds and booking changes will be handled according to the policies of the authorized travel provider.

Saudi Arabia also confirmed that the Visa Package program will be expanded to include additional countries in future phases.