Visa Requirements
Saudi Arabia has eased tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travelers, effective immediately, allowing applicants to submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent. This announcement was made by the Saudi Tourism Authority on Wednesday.
In 2023, Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi Arabia increased by 43% compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024.
To facilitate this growing demand, the Saudi government has made it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain visas before their travel through six Tasheer offices established across the country in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan.
These offices provide a convenient and user-friendly experience, including visa application guidance, biometric enrollment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travelers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has introduced a transit visa for travelers arriving via Saudia and Flynas.
This visa allows visitors to transit and explore the country for up to 96 hours. For those holding a valid and used UK, US, or Schengen visa, a visa on arrival is available.
In the past year, Saudi Arabia also introduced a one-year multiple entry visa for Pakistani travelers. This specific visa caters to those visiting for personal reasons such as attending weddings, functions, or visiting friends and 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 travelers with the one-year multiple entry visa can also perform Umrah, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering spiritual journeys and cultural exchanges.
The simplified visa process aims to encourage more Pakistani travelers to visit their friends and family, perform Umrah, and explore Saudi Arabia.
From Riyadh’s vibrant cityscape and Jeddah’s cultural richness to the hidden treasures of the Red Sea and the ancient marvels of AlUla, Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of attractions.
Saudi Arabia is a year-round destination with several regions offering a cooler escape in the summer, while a busy calendar of events through the winter continues to attract an increasing number of tourists each year, according to the kingdom’s tourism authority.
These updates reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and promote tourism, making it easier for Pakistani travelers to experience the country’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
