+971 52 248 8528
+966 56 233 0183
Saudi Arabia: In a bold move to enhance the travel experience and accelerate its Vision 2030 tourism goals, Saudi Arabia has officially launched its groundbreaking “Visa by Profile” system. The initiative, announced at the TOURISE 25 summit, allows eligible Visa cardholders to secure an electronic tourist visa within minutes, using just their card and passport information.
This first-of-its-kind program was introduced by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who said on his social media account that the system is “simple, seamless, and globally connected.”
What Is the “Visa by Profile” Initiative?
- Developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Visa (the global payments company).
- Enables eligible Visa cardholders to instantly obtain an e-tourist visa without lengthy paperwork.
- Builds on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital-first, technology-driven solutions for global tourism.
- Launched at TOURISE 25 Summit, underlining the Kingdom’s strategic drive to redefine the future of travel.
Why This Matters
Saudi Arabia has made tremendous gains in tourism. In 2024, it ranked first among G20 nations in international tourist arrivals and saw record growth in tourism revenues.
With “Visa by Profile,” the country is lowering the barrier to entry for travelers, making it easier and faster to visit.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million tourists annually a target that includes 70 million international visitors and 80 million domestic travelers.
What It Means for Travelers
- Speed & convenience: Visa cardholders can skip traditional visa application delays and get their tourist visa in just minutes.
Streamlined security: By combining passport and payment data, the system ensures a smoother verification process.
Broader tourism access: This initiative may help Saudi Arabia attract more mid-income and tech-savvy travelers, not just luxury tourists.
How J K Can Help
At J K Management Consultancies, we are closely monitoring this transformative visa innovation. Here’s how we can assist you or your clients:
Visa Advisory Services: We guide you through eligibility especially whether your Visa card qualifies and walk you through the “Visa by Profile” application steps.
Business Visa Solutions: For entrepreneurs or companies looking to expand into Saudi Arabia, we provide tailored visa and immigration services aligned with the Kingdom’s latest digital visa tools.
Ongoing Updates: As Saudi Arabia rolls out more tourism and visa-related reforms (like Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, etc.), J K Management Consultancies ensures you stay ahead of the curve.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi’s Tourism Transformation
“Visa by Profile” is not just a technical upgrade it’s part of a much broader strategy. At TOURISE 25, Minister Al-Khateeb also announced three additional tourism initiatives: Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, and Beyond Tourism.
These reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition to modernize its tourism sector, build global partnerships, and invest heavily in hospitality, training, and infrastructure.
Final Thought
The Saudi Arabia Visa by Profile initiative marks a major milestone in how the Kingdom approaches travel and visa policy. By combining financial technology with visa issuance, Saudi Arabia is not just simplifying access it’s sending a strong message: tourism in the Kingdom is for everyone.
For travelers, investors, and businesses looking to benefit from this new system, J K Management Consultancies stands ready to provide expert guidance and seamless service every step of the way.
