In a bid to attract more tourists, Saudi Arabia has relaxed its visa conditions for Pakistani travelers. Under the new regulations, Pakistani tourists can now obtain a Saudi visit visa by submitting a bank statement showing a monthly credit of US$750 or an equivalent amount.
This policy change comes in response to a significant increase in Pakistani tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. In 2023, there was a 43 percent rise in the number of Pakistani visitors compared to the previous year. Projections for 2024 indicate that approximately 2.7 million Pakistani tourists will visit Saudi Arabia.
To support this influx, six publicity offices have been established across Pakistan, located in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan. These offices aim to facilitate the visa application process and provide comprehensive information to prospective travelers.
In addition to easing the visit visa conditions, Saudi Arabia has introduced a transit visa for Pakistani travelers. This visa is available for passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia via Saudi Airlines and FlyNas. It allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 96 hours, offering a brief yet enriching experience of Saudi Arabia’s culture and attractions.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia offers visa-on-arrival facilities for Pakistani travelers who hold valid UK, US, or Schengen visas. This initiative simplifies the travel process for many Pakistanis, making it more convenient to visit the kingdom.
Last year, Saudi Arabia also introduced a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani travelers. This visa permits multiple visits to the country within a year, enabling tourists to explore various cities and cultural sites at their own pace. Importantly, this visa also allows holders to perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating spiritual journeys alongside cultural exchanges.
The easing of visa conditions and the introduction of new visa options highlight Saudi Arabia’s dedication to promoting tourism and fostering stronger ties with Pakistan. Pakistani tourists are now encouraged to visit not only for religious purposes but also to explore the vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, the historical wonders of Al-Ula, and the stunning marine life of the Red Sea.
For detailed information on visa applications, Pakistani tourists can visit visa.mofa.gov.sa and vc.tasheer.com. To learn more about Saudi Arabia’s tourism offers and travel guidelines, travelers can log on to www.visitsaudi.com.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism, providing Pakistani citizens with ample opportunities to visit friends and family, perform Umrah, and discover the diverse attractions Saudi Arabia has to offer.
