Saudi Arabia introduced a groundbreaking initiative called “Visa by Profile.” The new system allows eligible Visa cardholders to obtain an electronic tourist visa within minutes. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced the development at the TOURISE25 summit in Riyadh.
In a post on X, the minister said the system enables travelers to secure an instant e-visa using only their Visa card and passport details. He said the feature reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to seamless, technology-driven travel experiences.
Initiative developed through major inter-agency collaboration
The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Inc., and the Saudi Tourism Authority jointly developed the initiative. Officials said the system supports the Kingdom’s efforts to modernise and expand its tourism sector through advanced digital tools. Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia aims to build a future of tourism that remains simple, seamless, and globally connected.
The announcement follows the launch of several high-tech innovations in the country’s tourism and research sectors. Officials recently introduced an AI-powered camel tracking system, highlighting the pace of technological adoption.
Tourism sector continues to post record global growth
Saudi Arabia continues to lead international tourism growth. The Kingdom ranked first among G20 nations in foreign tourist arrivals in 2024. It also topped global rankings for tourism revenue growth. The country surpassed its target of 100 million annual visitors six years early in 2023. Officials have now set a new goal of attracting 150 million tourists each year by 2030.
At the end of the three-day summit, Al-Khateeb unveiled three more initiatives. These include Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, and Beyond Tourism. He said these programmes will transform the sector and enhance its global competitiveness.
Focus on training and workforce development
The minister also confirmed new strategic partnerships with leading hospitality institutions. These partnerships aim to strengthen training, skills development, and workforce readiness. He said the Kingdom views its people as the core of the tourism sector’s future.
The TOURISE25 Summit was held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials said the summit focused on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. The next TOURISE event will take place in March 2027.
