Saudi Arabia, one of the top international destinations for Pakistani travelers, has announced a significant easing of its tourist visa requirements. With immediate effect, applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of USD 750 or its equivalent. This move is expected to further boost the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Saudi Arabia, which saw a 43% increase in arrivals in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Growing Tourism and Facilitated Visa Process
Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To accommodate this growing demand, Saudi Arabia has made it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain visas before travel through one of six Tasheer offices established across Pakistan. These offices are located in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan.
The Tasheer offices offer a convenient and user-friendly experience, providing services such as visa application guidance, biometric enrollment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travelers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.
Transit Visa and Visa on Arrival
In addition to the relaxed visa requirements, Saudi Arabia has introduced a transit visa for travelers arriving via Saudia and Flynas airlines. This visa allows travelers to transit and explore Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. Moreover, travelers holding a valid and used UK, US, or Schengen visa can avail of a visa on arrival, further simplifying the travel process.
One-Year Multiple Entry Visa
In the past year, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple entry visa specifically for Pakistani travelers. This visa is intended for those coming for personal visits such as attending weddings or 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 all 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. By making it easier to obtain a visa, Saudi Arabia aims to encourage more Pakistani travelers to not only visit their friends and family and perform Umrah but also explore the country’s diverse attractions.
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 year-round destination for travelers. Various regions provide a cooler escape in summer, while a busy calendar of events throughout winter attracts more and more tourists each year.
For more information on visa applications, travelers can visit visa.mofa.gov.sa and vc.tasheer.com. To explore tourism offerings and travel guidelines, log on to www.visitsaudi.com.
Fahad is an entrepreneur and a marketing enthusiast who loves to write on trending topics. He loves travelling & playing tennis is what he does in his leisure time. He tweets @fahad164.
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