Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has revised its tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travelers, now accepting applications with a bank statement demonstrating a minimum monthly credit of $750.
This relaxation forms at part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to enhance tourism from Pakistan, aiming for 2.7 million visitors in 2024, following a notable 43% increase in arrivals in 2023, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).
To support this surge in interest, Saudi Arabia has established six Tasheer offices across Pakistan, located in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan. These offices offer comprehensive services, including visa application support, biometric registration, and passport delivery, with appointment scheduling accessible through the Tasheer website.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia now provides a transit visa for travelers flying via Saudia and Flynas, allowing up to 96 hours to explore the country. Furthermore, a visa on arrival option is available for individuals holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.
In another effort to improve accessibility, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistanis last year, facilitating visits for personal reasons, family occasions, and spiritual journeys such as Umrah. This move underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering cultural and spiritual exchanges.
These relaxed visa regulations are anticipated to significantly increase the number of Pakistani tourists exploring Saudi Arabia, drawing them with a range of attractions from Riyadh’s vibrant urban scene and Jeddah’s rich cultural heritage to the tranquil shores of the Red Sea and the historic sites of AlUla.