Saudi Arabia Introduces new transit & multiple-entry visas for Pakistani isitors
Saudi Arabia has significantly simplified its tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travelers, now requiring only a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent. This move, announced by the Saudi Tourism Authority, underscores the kingdom’s intent to attract more tourists from Pakistan, a market that has shown a 43 percent increase in arrivals compared to 2023.
The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To facilitate this, they have established six Tasheer offices across major cities in Pakistan, including Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan. These offices provide a streamlined visa application process, offering services such as biometric enrollment, status tracking, and passport delivery.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has introduced a transit visa for travelers arriving via Saudia and Flynas airlines, allowing a stay of up to 96 hours to explore the country. Moreover, a visa on arrival is available for travelers with valid and used UK, US, or Schengen visas, further easing the entry process.
In the past year, the kingdom has also rolled out a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani travelers. This visa caters to those visiting for personal reasons, such as attending weddings or visiting friends and family, enabling multiple visits within a 12-month period and allowing for cultural and spiritual exploration, including performing Umrah.
By simplifying the visa process, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract more Pakistani tourists, encouraging them to explore the country’s diverse attractions, from Riyadh’s urban landscapes to Jeddah’s cultural sites, the Red Sea’s hidden gems, and the ancient wonders of AlUla. This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange throughout the year.
