Saudi Arabia eases tourist visa requirements for Pakistan

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has simplified the tourist visa process for Pakistani citizens, allowing applicants to submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit of USD 750 or its equivalent, effective immediately.

The Saudi government said that  the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Saudi Arabia increased by 43% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The statement also revealed that Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024.

To facilitate this growing demand, Saudi Arabia has streamlined the visa application process for Pakistani travelers through six Tasheer offices located 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 appointments via the Tasheer website.

Besides it, Saudi Arabia introduced a transit visa for travelers arriving via Saudia and Flynas, allowing them to explore the country for up to 96 hours. A visa on arrival is also available for travelers holding a valid and used UK, US, or Schengen visa.

Last year, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani travelers. This visa is ideal for personal visits, such as attending weddings, functions, or visiting friends and family. Holders of this visa can make multiple visits within a 12-month period, enabling them to explore Saudi Arabia's vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and natural wonders throughout the year.

Moreover, Pakistani travelers with a one-year multiple-entry visa can also perform Umrah.