In an effort to further make the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a more convenient place of travel, the country has launched a new Tourist Package Visa for nationals from seven countries, including Pakistan.
The Kingdom has made travel procedures much easier since the implementation of Vision 2030, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said. Saudi Arabia has introduced new services including electronic tourist visas (e-Visas), transit visas and visas on arrival.
The new Tourist Package Visa is a pilot scheme to facilitate travel for those seeking to take advantage of approved travel packages.
At present, citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico are eligible for the new visa facility, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
The new system allows eligible travellers to obtain their Tourist Package Visa within a maximum of 48 hours if they buy an approved travel package, thus making the process faster and easier.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have also provided an important reminder for expatriates wishing to exit their residency in the Kingdom on a final exit visa.
They have clarified that if a vehicle is still listed as registered in the applicant’s name they will not be issued a final exit visa.
Anyone who wants to sell their car will have to transfer the ownership from them to the car showroom by using Absher Platform or an authorised car showroom.
The car must be insured and have a valid inspection certificate before the transfer can be finalised.
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Owners can take the vehicle to a registered scrap yard if it is too old or not roadworthy. After the scrapping, the registration can be cancelled permanently via Absher.
It was also reiterated that all outstanding traffic violations should be cleared prior to transfer/deregistration of a vehicle.
Once the vehicle has been taken off the records of the applicant, he or she will be able to receive his or her final exit visa.
FAQs
Which countries will be allowed to use the new Tourist Package Visa?
A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico.
Q: How long does it take to receive the Tourist Package Visa?
A: It takes 48 hours to get the visa upon buying an approved travel package.
Q: May a resident obtain a final exit visa during the time a vehicle continues to be registered in his/her name?
A: No. Before the final exit visa is issued, the vehicle has to be transferred, scrapped and removed from the applicant’s record, as well as any traffic fines paid.
Also read: Saudi Arabia warns vehicle owners over final exit visa requirement
