Saudi Tourism Package Visa: New Bundled Visa to Bring Family from India

🟡 What Is the Saudi Tourism Package Visa?

In early July 2026 (Saudi Press Agency report dated 6 July 2026), Saudi Arabia launched the pilot phase of the Tourism Package Visa (“Package Visa”). It was developed by the Ministry of Tourism together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the Insurance Authority. Eligible visitors get their tourist e-visa as part of a travel package — return flights, a licensed hotel stay and insurance — booked through an accredited travel provider, instead of applying for the visa separately.

📣 “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launches tourism package visa service.” — @KSAmofaEN (Foreign Ministry, Saudi Arabia)

For Indian expats, the practical point: India is one of the pilot markets, so parents, a spouse or children in India can book a package that includes the visa, flights and hotel in one go. Note that it is a hotel-based tourist package — it is not sponsored by your Iqama.

How It Differs From a Regular Family Visit Visa

If your family will stay with you at home, or you want to sponsor them under your Iqama, the traditional Family Visit Visa guide is still the right route. The Tourism Package Visa requires a hotel booking for the stay, and its minimum package price makes long stays expensive.

✅ Who Can Use It (Indian Visitors)

• Citizens of the pilot markets. Gulf News (10 July 2026) listed Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico; Arab News also mentions Morocco. The Ministry of Tourism says more countries will be added.
• The visitor books the package through an accredited travel provider — it is not applied for by an Iqama holder in Saudi Arabia
• Visitors need a valid passport and a package that includes a confirmed return flight and a licensed hotel stay
• Insurance is included in the visa fee — no separate purchase needed

⚠️ This is a pilot and rules are still settling. Always confirm current eligibility, price and terms with the accredited provider and on official Saudi tourism/visa channels before paying.

🪜 How Your Family in India Can Use It (Step-by-Step)

1. Book through an accredited travel provider that offers the Package Visa (at launch: Almosafer and Reserval).
2. Choose the package — return flights and a licensed hotel (minimum 4-star), with optional events or experiences.
3. Enter traveller details exactly as on the passport.
4. Pay the package price (the visa and insurance fee is included).
5. Receive the e-visa, insurance and travel documents by email — the ministry says the visa is issued electronically within 48 hours of completing the purchase.
6. Travel. Visa holders may travel around the Kingdom after arrival, including Makkah and Madinah (packages themselves do not include Umrah arrangements).

💡 Money Tip: Fund the Trip from Saudi

Need to send visa fees, flight money, or shopping cash to your family in India before they travel? SNB Neo (referral link) (the digital banking app from Saudi National Bank) is one option for transfers to Indian bank accounts — compare the rate and fee with your bank or exchange house before sending.

📱 Keep Them Connected on Arrival

Once your family lands in Saudi, an eSIM saves the hassle of hunting for a physical SIM. Airalo gives them data the moment they touch down at Jeddah or Riyadh airport.

🔗 Related Guides You’ll Need

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tourism Package Visa the same as a tourist e-visa?

It is a tourist e-visa issued as part of a travel package (return flights, licensed hotel and insurance) booked through an accredited travel provider, instead of a separate visa application.

Can I use it for my parents from India?

Yes, if they book a package through an accredited provider — India is among the pilot markets. The package must include their hotel stay, so it suits a hotel-based trip rather than staying at your home.

Do they still need return tickets?

Yes. A confirmed return flight is part of the package.

What if they want to stay longer or stay with me?

Package Visa stays run from 2 to 88 days (single entry), and the price rises with each extra day. If they will stay at your home, use the regular Family Visit Visa route.

Published: 11 July 2026; updated 12 November 2026 with launch details reported by SPA, Gulf News and Arab News. This is a pilot — Saudi visa rules change frequently, so verify current terms on the official MOFA platform before applying. Affiliate links above support the site at no extra cost to you.