Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the launch of a unified national visa platform under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to reports on Thursday. According to the reports, the new system will serve as the country’s official platform for all visa services.
The meeting was chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.
What is the Saudi Arabia national visa platform?
The new platform will be Saudi Arabia’s official website for applying for different types of visas. This includes tourist, business, work, Hajj, Umrah, family visit and other entry visas.
Instead of using different application channels, people will be able to apply through one single online platform.
The system is linked with more than 30 government departments and private organisations. This will make the visa process easier.
Applicants can check visa requirements, see if they are eligible, submit their applications and track their visa status through the same platform.
The platform also includes a smart search feature. It will save user information for future applications and uses digital technology to speed up the verification process.
What is the Saudi Arabia tourist package visas?
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Tourist Package Visa for citizens of seven countries to make travel to the Kingdom easier. These countries include Pakistan as well.
The new visa has been launched as part of a pilot programme for travellers who book approved travel packages.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the new visa is available for citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said that the Kingdom has made travel easier under Vision 2030 by introducing services such as electronic tourist visas (e-visas), transit visas and visas on arrival.
Under the new system, eligible travellers can receive their Tourist Package Visa within 48 hours. But this is if they purchase an approved travel package.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa pilot program?
Saudi Arabia recently launched a new Package Visa pilot programme. The new programme allows eligible travellers to get a tourist visa as part of a complete travel package through approved travel and tourism companies.
Visitors can book their entire trip on one platform, making the travel process simpler and more convenient.
The travellers will be able to book a package that includes a return flight, accommodation at licensed hotels and an electronic tourist visa application in a single booking.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa fee for Pakistan?
The Saudi visa fees in Pakistan usualluy varies widely based on the visa category. The total prices can range from roughly Rs42,000 to over Rs200,000.
