- Travelers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website.
- A transit visa is introduced for travelers via Saudia and Flynas.
- Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia grew by 43% in 2023.
Saudi Arabia has relaxed tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travelers with “immediate effect,” so applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent, the Saudi Tourism Authority said on Wednesday.
Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia grew by 43% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To meet this growing demand, Saudi Arabia is making it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain visa before travel through one of the six Tasheer offices established across the country in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Multan, the statement said.
Tasheer offices offer a convenient and easy-to-use experience, including visa application guidance, biometric registration, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travelers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has introduced the transit visa, which is available to travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia via Saudia and Flynas, where they can transit and explore the country for up to 96 hours.
Visa on arrival is available for those travelers who have a valid and used UK, US or Schengen visa.
Last year, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani travellers. This is a specific visa for those coming for personal reasons, such as attending weddings or functions or visiting friends or relatives. 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 all year round.
Pakistani travelers with a one-year multiple-entry visa can also perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering spiritual travel and cultural exchanges.
Making it easier to obtain a visa will encourage more Pakistani travelers to not only visit their friends and family and perform Umrah, but will also encourage them to explore Saudi Arabia; from the vibrant cityscape of Riyadh, the cultural richness of Jeddah, the hidden treasures of the Red Sea, to the ancient wonders of Al-Ula.
Saudi Arabia is a year-round destination with several regions offering a cooler escape in summer, while the busy calendar of events during winter draws more and more tourists each year, the kingdom's tourism authority said.
