Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Tourist Package Visa that bundles a visitor's entry permit with flights, accommodation and trip planning in a single booking. According to Saudi authorities, the service lets travellers arrange their journey and their visa together rather than managing the two separately.
The move is part of a broader push to make travel to the Kingdom simpler. It also carries direct relevance for pilgrims, because Umrah continues to fall under the tourism umbrella whenever it is performed outside the official Hajj season.
What the new visa includes
The Tourist Package Visa allows visitors to book a single package that combines several parts of a trip. According to reporting by Khaleej Times, these elements include airfare, accommodation at licensed tourist housing and electronic visa processing, with the option to add experiences, activities and events.
The service is accessed through accredited travel and tourism providers in the "general category" operating in selected pilot markets. By placing the visa inside the package, providers can design more integrated trips and, the ministry says, encourage visitors to extend their stays.
The pilot phase carries specific operational conditions. These include the readiness of digital platforms and the provision of round-the-clock technical support and visitor communication services. Saudi authorities described the launch as a reflection of a wider transformation in the sector, built on facilitating travel and strengthening partnerships with the private sector.
Why it matters for Umrah pilgrims
For those planning Umrah, the significance lies in how the Kingdom treats the pilgrimage outside the Hajj season. Umrah can be performed on tourism-category permits during most of the year, so a bundled tourist package can serve pilgrims who wish to combine worship at the Grand Mosque with wider travel across the Kingdom.
The Tourist Package Visa joins a series of entry routes the Kingdom has rolled out in recent years, including the e-tourist visa, visa on arrival and transit visa. Saudi Arabia received more than 29 million inbound tourists in 2025, and the new bundle is designed to widen access further under the goals of Vision 2030.
Pilgrims should note one important limit. As with the standard tourist eVisa, tourism-based entry cannot be used to perform Hajj. Hajj always requires its own dedicated visa issued through approved channels.
Practical tips for travellers
Travellers considering the Tourist Package Visa should keep several points in mind. First, confirm that the package is offered by an accredited provider in your market, since the pilot covers only selected countries at this stage. Second, check exactly what the package covers, as accommodation must be at licensed tourist housing.
Those intending to perform Umrah should verify that their travel dates fall outside the Hajj season, and should still book their Umrah permit through the official Nusuk app once inside the Kingdom. Pilgrims are also advised to keep proof of onward and return travel, and to review vaccination and health requirements before departure. As always, book early during peak Umrah periods such as Ramadan, when accommodation and transport fill quickly.