Saudi Arabia eases tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travellers

Saudi Arabia, a top international destination for Pakistani travellers, has eased tourist visa requirements with immediate effect. Applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent.

Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia grew by 43% in 2023 compared with the previous year, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To accommodate this growing demand, Saudi Arabia is making it easier for Pakistani travellers to obtain visas through one of six Tasheer offices established across Pakistan in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan.

The Tasheer offices offer a convenient and user-friendly experience, including visa application guidance, biometric enrolment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travellers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has introduced a transit visa available for travellers arriving via Saudia and Flynas, allowing them to transit and explore Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. Visa on arrival is available for those travellers who hold a valid and used UK, US, or Schengen visa.

Also read: Saudi Arabia bars visit visa holders from entering Makkah during Hajj season

Last year, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple entry visa for Pakistani travellers. This visa is specifically for personal visits, such as attending weddings or visiting friends or family. Holders of this visa can enjoy multiple visits to Saudi Arabia within a 12-month period, allowing them to explore the country's vibrant cities, cultural richness, and natural wonders year-round.

Pakistani travellers with the one-year multiple entry visa can also perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering spiritual journeys and cultural exchanges.

Easing visa requirements is expected to encourage more Pakistani travellers to not only visit their friends and family and perform Umrah but also explore Saudi Arabia. From Riyadh’s vibrant cityscape, Jeddah’s cultural richness, hidden treasures of the Red Sea, to the ancient marvels of AlUla, Saudi Arabia offers a year-round destination with cooler regions in summer and a busy calendar of events through winter.

For more information on visa applications, travellers can visit visa.mofa.gov.sa and vc.tasheer.com. To explore tourism offerings and travel guidelines, log on to www.visitsaudi.com.