🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia - Travel Tomorrow https://traveltomorrow.com/category/countries/saudi-arabia/ Travel Tomorrow is a global media outlet reporting on the travel and tourism industry. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:10:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 Airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia following series of airport attacks https://traveltomorrow.com/airlines-suspend-flights-to-saudi-arabia-following-series-of-airport-attacks/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:44:00 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=185931 As Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck by a series of four attacks in under a week, aviation authorities have been warning […]

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]]> As Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck by a series of four attacks in under a week, aviation authorities have been warning against operating in the country. Several airlines have already suspended their flights to Saudi Arabia following the events.

Over the past week, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have claimed four attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, including what is considered to be the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in over a decade. 

The Houthis have been warning people against travelling to the country, and operations at King Khalid Airport have been temporarily suspended due to security reasons. Following the closure of the airport, all flights to Riyadh have been suspended or diverted at the moment of writing.

Moreover, governments around the world are warning their citizens against travelling to Saudi Arabia. The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, and Canada are just some of those who have updated their travel advice following the attacks. 

Airlines, too, are taking their precautions. Lufthansa Group, for example, was one of the first to react and suspended all flights to Riyadh from 8 to 16 October 2026. It is unclear whether or not that suspension will be extended if the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopens by then.

India’s largest airline IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air were also quick to take action once the news broke about the first attacks on the airport. At the moment of writing, IndiGo plans on resuming its flights once the airport reopens, while Air India and Akasa Air have suspended their flights until 14 and 13 October, respectively. 

Many European airlines suspended their flights to Saudi Arabia following an updated advisory by EU aviation safety regulator EASA published on 9 October. 

“These recurrent missile and drone attacks, together with the activation of air-defence systems, create an increased risk of misidentification of civil aircraft, as well as risks associated with missile and drone overflights, interception activity and falling debris,” said EASA. 

In its turn, OPSGROUP, a global collaborative network gathering international flight operations professionals, issued a ‘do not fly’ warning on 9 October.

“We now recommend avoiding operations in Saudi Arabia entirely, including the use of Saudi airports as en route alternates,” the warning read. 

Ever since, several other airlines have followed and have decided to temporarily suspend their operations in Saudi Arabia. Air France has cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 24 October, British Airways has suspended all Riyadh operations until 3 November, Cathay Pacific has cancelled all passenger flights to Riyadh until 31 January, KLM will not be flying to Riyadh before 24 October, and Singapore Air has planned no non-stop flights until 28 March 2027. 

Many other airlines are planning to resume their flights to Riyadh when the airport reopens at the moment of writing, and U.S. airlines are told to exercise caution when flying over Saudi Arabia. However, depending on the developments, other airlines might decide to suspend their operations or to extend their no-fly period.

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]]> Fourth attack on Riyadh airport in five days leaves one dead and 11 injured https://traveltomorrow.com/fourth-attack-on-riyadh-airport-in-five-days-leaves-one-dead-and-11-injured/ Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:06:26 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=185905 Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport was struck by a projectile on Sunday, 11 October 2026, killing one Pakistani national and injuring 11 others, according to […]

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]]> Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport was struck by a projectile on Sunday, 11 October 2026, killing one Pakistani national and injuring 11 others, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The incident marked the fourth attack on the airport in five days, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claiming responsibility for all strikes.

The Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority called the event a “heinous attack” while specifying the strike on terminals 3 and 4 also caused material damage. Damage assessments and safety inspections of the airport are underway according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The suspension of operations at the airport has been extended to that regard and it is yet unclear when it will reopen.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has shared that the country’s response to the attacks on Riyadh airport will be “equally serious”. Meanwhile, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has stressed the importance of joint Gulf action to preserve the security of all Gulf states. 

Over the last week, Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International airport has suffered a total of four attacks. The deadliest took place on Saturday 10 October, when 13 people were killed and over 300 people were left injured. 

Among the deceased were four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, one American, one Egyptian, one Jordanian, one Syrian, one Palestinian, one Indian, and one Sudanese national. In footage released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, travellers can be seen taking cover as flames and smoke take over the airport. 

All attacks, including what is considered to be the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in over 10 years and the deadliest on a Gulf country since the start of the US war against Iran, were claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The rebels have been targeting Saudi Arabia due to its support of the government forces in Yemen’s civil war.

Many governments, including the British Foreign Office, have been advising their citizens against travel to Saudi Arabia since the attack on 10 October. The Houthis themselves have warned airlines and passengers to stay away from Saudi airports, while America’s Federal Aviation Administration has urged US airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi ‌Arabia. 

At the moment of writing, it is unclear what exactly will be the consequences of the series of deadly attacks at Riyadh airport on the global tourism industry. While travel to and through Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly stagger for a while, some industry experts are warning for long term effects. In an analysis for Sky News, for example, Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons says the Houthis could very well take control of their side of the Bab el Mandeb strait, thus driving the global oil prices even higher. 

L’article Fourth attack on Riyadh airport in five days leaves one dead and 11 injured est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudia aircraft damaged in Riyadh airport attacks that killed three https://traveltomorrow.com/saudia-aircraft-damaged-in-riyadh-airport-attacks-that-killed-three/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:19:27 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=185823 A Saudia passenger aircraft was severely damaged by fire at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, 8 October, during attacks that killed three Saudi nationals […]

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]]> A Saudia passenger aircraft was severely damaged by fire at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, 8 October, during attacks that killed three Saudi nationals and disrupted flights to the Saudi capital.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed on Friday that two attacks had targeted airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to the national carrier. Several Saudi citizens and residents of other nationalities were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to serious, according to the authority.

Emergency teams responded under the airport’s approved emergency plans, and those injured were taken to hospital. GACA said it was coordinating with security authorities to assess the damage and protect passengers and staff.

Cause of aircraft fire remains unclear

The aircraft was parked near a terminal when it caught fire. Three people briefed on the incident told Reuters that it may have been struck by shrapnel from an intercepted missile or another projectile. No passengers were believed to be on board.

Reuters verified footage showing smoke rising from the airport by comparing buildings, lighting structures and tarmac markings with satellite imagery. However, the precise cause of the aircraft fire remains unconfirmed.

Reports suggesting the aircraft could be a hull loss have not been supported by an official write-off announcement. Neither the airline nor the authorities have published a detailed assessment establishing whether the aircraft can be repaired.

Saudia separately announced the death of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami following the incident at King Khalid International Airport. The airline has not established publicly whether he was aboard the damaged aircraft when the fire broke out.

Lufthansa and Indian airlines suspend services

The attacks prompted international airlines to suspend Riyadh services. Lufthansa Group announced a suspension through 16 October, while Air India and Akasa Air cancelled flights through 10 October. IndiGo suspended services through 9 October.

An Air India flight travelling from Delhi to Riyadh returned to the Indian capital on Thursday. The cancellations extended the disruption to connections between Saudi Arabia, Europe and India.

According to Cirium figures cited in the supplied reports, almost half of Riyadh’s scheduled departures had been cancelled by 3:00 pm GMT on Thursday.

In an update on Friday afternoon, Saudi civil aviation authorities said air traffic at Riyadh airport had returned to normal. Reuters also reported a gradual resumption of flights, including services operated by some Middle Eastern airlines. Airport operations resuming does not necessarily mean suspended international routes have restarted.

Further attacks threatened

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh airport, saying it was responding to Saudi support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

The latest fatalities were separate from earlier attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports, which reportedly killed three people and injured 36 others.

The Houthis have threatened further strikes against Saudi airports and energy infrastructure, adding uncertainty for airlines operating in the region.

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]]> European travel to Saudi Arabia forecast to surge 130% by 2030 https://traveltomorrow.com/european-travel-to-saudi-arabia-forecast-to-surge-130-by-2030/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:03:33 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=184090 Europe’s fascination with Saudi Arabia keeps growing, with holidaymakers from the continent expected to play a major role in the next phase of its tourism boom, […]

L’article European travel to Saudi Arabia forecast to surge 130% by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Europe’s fascination with Saudi Arabia keeps growing, with holidaymakers from the continent expected to play a major role in the next phase of its tourism boom, as the Kingdom’s efforts to reinvent itself as a leisure destination appear to be paying off.

International leisure travel to Saudi Arabia is forecast to increase by 93% between 2025 and 2030, but growth from Europe is expected to exceed this figure, with visitor numbers predicted to surge by 130%.

The figures come from new research by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, presented last week at WTM Spotlight Riyadh, a Saudi tourism industry event. Europe was already Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing long-haul leisure market between 2019 and 2025, with visits increasing by 61%.

Under its Vision 2030 reform plan, Saudi Arabia is banking on tourism as a key pillar of its efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy, with the aim of attracting 150 million domestic and international visitors annually by 2030.

While the Middle East remains the largest source market by far, accounting for 82% of leisure trips in 2025, Europe is the largest long-haul market, accounting for 10%. Overall, long-haul markets are forecast to account for 54% of international leisure travel by 2030, up from 47% in 2025. Arrivals from Asia and North America are also expected to more than double between 2025 and 2030.

Germany and Italy are among Europe’s standout leisure markets, with visitor numbers from both countries expected to more than triple by 2030.

Saudi Arabia emerges as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination

“Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic visitor economies,” said Dave Goodger, Managing Director, EMEA, at Tourism Economics.

He added that the country was benefiting from sustained investment and destination development, which translated into international visitors now accounting for almost half of all nights spent in the Kingdom.

The share of total visitor spending accounted for by international leisure tourists has also increased, rising from 9% in 2019 to 28% in 2025 and is expected to reach 31% by 2030.

However, growth may increasingly come from Asia. While Tourism Economics expects only “modest increases” in leisure nights from the UK, France and Spain, it forecasts a 46% rise in nights from Thailand, and at least a 50% rise in nights from Indonesia, Australia and Singapore.

@emmarobertts_ A quick trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 #riyadh #saudiarabia #diriyah #riyadhseason #saudiaarabia🇸🇦 ♬ original sound – Gio

Saudi Arabia’s rise as a desirable tourist destination has been astonishing. In barely half a decade, the Kingdom has moved from “the edge of the global tourism map towards its centre”, as highlighted in the Tourism Economics report.

China is also on Saudi Arabia’s radar, with more than half of surveyed Chinese travel agents already offering trips to the Kingdom and nearly a third naming it as one of their top future destinations.

Overall visitor nights in the Kingdom have more than doubled since 2019, reaching 1.1 billion, and the outlook is even brighter thanks to mega-projects such as the Red Sea development and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host.

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts: What’s open now and what’s coming by 2030

To widen its pool of visitors, Saudi Arabia has relaxed its visa rules and signed agreements with an expanding number of countries in Europe and Asia. Citizens of all 27 EU countries can now apply online for a one-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days.

While Makkah and Madinah remain the Kingdom’s most popular destinations, Jeddah and Riyadh are growing in popularity as urban destinations, and AlUla is emerging as a major attraction in the desert.

L’article European travel to Saudi Arabia forecast to surge 130% by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudi Arabia emerges as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination https://traveltomorrow.com/saudi-arabia-emerges-as-the-worlds-fastest-growing-tourism-destination/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:15:51 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=181493 Saudi Arabia has recorded the largest increase in international tourist arrivals compared to pre-COVID numbers, according to newly released data from the OECD, while Israel saw […]

L’article Saudi Arabia emerges as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudi Arabia has recorded the largest increase in international tourist arrivals compared to pre-COVID numbers, according to newly released data from the OECD, while Israel saw the steepest decline.

These figures are taken from the OECD’s 2026 Tourism Trends and Policies report, which compiles international tourism data and highlights best practices, key policy reforms, and statistical profiles for 53 OECD and partner countries. International arrivals were compared between 2019 and 2025.

The report provides a clear picture of which destinations have recovered and which continue to struggle.

With a 67% increase in international arrivals over the period, Saudi Arabia tops the ranking, making it the fastest-growing tourist destination in the world. Last year, it welcomed around 30 million international visitors, having invested billions in tourism as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

In recent years, the country has transformed its image by introducing easier visa policies, expanding airline capacity, and making major investments in heritage sites, entertainment, luxury resorts, and large-scale events.

While the figures suggest that these efforts are paying off, they also demonstrate how much further the country must go to achieve its goal of attracting 150 million domestic and international visitors each year by 2030. An estimated 65% of Saudi Arabia’s 29.3 million international visitors in 2025 came from Muslim-majority countries, led by Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Gulf states. Makkah Province, home to Mecca and the gateway city of Jeddah, attracted 22.5 million visitors — more than any other region — although this figure includes arrivals via Jeddah airport and is not limited to religious tourism.

Nevertheless, 2025 marked a milestone as non-religious tourism (52%) overtook religious tourism (48%) for the first time, up from 44% in 2019. This suggests that the country’s efforts to diversify beyond Hajj and Umrah are beginning to bear fruit.

Morocco ranks second, with international arrivals up by 53% compared to 2019. This is followed by Egypt (up by 47%), Brazil (up by 46%), Colombia (up by 45%) and Japan (up by 34%).

Europe rounds out the top ten. Norway is up 28%, though Haaland fever is likely to push this figure even higher in 2026. Serbia is up 27%, and Denmark is up 22%. Beyond the top ten, notable increases were also recorded in Portugal, Spain and France.

Overall, international tourism across the 53 countries studied grew by 4% compared to 2019, reaching approximately 1.5 billion cross-border arrivals by 2025.

However, not every destination has recovered.

Israel recorded the largest decline by far, with international arrivals down 71% from 2019 levels. This reflects the collapse in tourism following the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas and the subsequent regional conflict. This decline occurred despite Israel having enjoyed a strong recovery prior to the war, with around 3.2 million visitors welcomed during the first nine months of 2023, suggesting it was on track for one of its strongest tourism years since the pandemic.

Ireland ranked second among the countries with the biggest declines, with arrivals down 32%, followed by Argentina with a decline of 23%. Analysts have attributed Ireland’s decline to rising travel costs, reduced accommodation capacity, weaker demand from key overseas markets, and the ongoing effects of Brexit.

Elsewhere, the United States recorded a 14% decline compared to 2019, while arrivals to Canada were down 11%.

Germany (-6%) and Italy (-5%) also remained below their pre-pandemic levels.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand recorded the largest decline (-17%), followed by New Zealand (-9%), Australia (-6%) and Indonesia (-4%). Peru also remained well below its 2019 figure, with arrivals down 22%.

Despite these exceptions, the OECD concludes that international tourism has now largely recovered from the pandemic, with most destinations matching or surpassing their pre-COVID visitor numbers.

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]]> Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa for pilgrims https://traveltomorrow.com/saudi-arabia-launches-one-year-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-for-pilgrims/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:22:09 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=181296 Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims to perform the Islamic pilgrimage several times within a 12-month period without applying […]

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]]> Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims to perform the Islamic pilgrimage several times within a 12-month period without applying for a new visa for each trip. The measure is designed to make religious travel more flexible while supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to modernise pilgrimage services and expand tourism under Vision 2030. 

Announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. However, pilgrims may stay in the Kingdom for a maximum cumulative total of 90 days across all visits during the visa’s validity. Every re-entry remains subject to Saudi Arabia’s existing regulatory and travel requirements.

“The ministry affirmed that the visa enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim’s journey,” Saudi Press Agency commented.

The new visa replaces the need for repeated applications, offering greater convenience for Muslims wishing to perform Umrah more than once a year. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during specific dates in the Islamic calendar and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can generally be performed throughout the year.

The ministry said the visa cannot be used during the annual Hajj season. It will be inactive from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi’dah until the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, in line with Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage regulations.

To use the visa, pilgrims must purchase a service package for each visit through Nusuk, Saudi Arabia’s official digital platform for pilgrimage services. The package must be bought from an accredited provider and cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. Nusuk enables international pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas, book accommodation, transport and other services without using intermediaries. 

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the visa will automatically deactivate when a traveller leaves Saudi Arabia and reactivate once all regulatory requirements are met for a subsequent visit. 

The introduction of the new visa comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in religious tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil. The Kingdom has expanded digital services for pilgrims, streamlined visa procedures, and invested in infrastructure around the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

This year, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 931,500 pilgrims on Umrah visas, a 22.5% increase over the same period in 2025, with most international pilgrims arriving from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.

The move also follows the rollout of Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa, introduced earlier this year, which bundles visas with accommodation, transport and pilgrimage-related services into a single booking process. The system aims to simplify travel arrangements while giving authorities greater oversight of pilgrimage services.

Officials hope the latest visa reform will encourage more repeat visits, improve the overall pilgrimage experience and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination for religious tourism.

L’article Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa for pilgrims est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts: What’s open now and what’s coming by 2030 https://traveltomorrow.com/saudi-arabias-red-sea-resorts-whats-open-now-and-whats-coming-by-2030/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:14:44 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=180718 Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea tourism destination is steadily taking shape. While the multibillion-dollar development is not expected to be fully completed until 2030, visitors can […]

L’article Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts: What’s open now and what’s coming by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea tourism destination is steadily taking shape. While the multibillion-dollar development is not expected to be fully completed until 2030, visitors can already stay at a growing collection of luxury resorts, with 11 hotels now welcoming guests along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast.

Developed by Red Sea Global in partnership with Kingdom Holding Company, the project is transforming part of an archipelago of around 90 islands between Umluj and Al Wajh into one of the world’s most ambitious sustainable luxury tourism destinations. Once complete, it is expected to feature around 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties. For now, however, only part of that vision is operational, with new resorts continuing to open in phases.

© Red Sea Global

It is planned as a “new place, where nature, sustainability, hospitality and unique experiences come together,” according to Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development at Red Sea Global, speaking to Euronews.

Boasting diverse surroundings, including coral reefs, deserts, peaks, volcanoes, and white sands, it presents visitors with “a variety of experiences in such a compact area,” Cheeseborough notes, Diving, golfing, hiking, sailing, and surfing are just a few of the activities to be sampled, alongside a marina, retail spaces, and restaurants.

By 2030, the plan is that the development will encompass at least 50 hotels, offering 8,000 rooms and over 1,000 residential properties, with the visitor capacity of around a million annually. That’s all while “conserving and protecting the natural environment,” Cheeseborough insists, pointing to an entirely renewable energy grid and all-reusable water system thanks to recycling.

For now though, 11 hotels are in operation, one of them the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island, officially opened on 20 May 2026, and offering a spa, 149 rooms and 31 residences, all encircled by the sea and inspired by the design of vernacular trade caravans.

Four Seasons © Red Sea Global

Also bookable already, are The Red Sea EDITION (Shura Island), SLS The Red Sea (Shura Island), InterContinental The Red Sea Resort (Shura Island), adult-only retreat Miraval The Red Sea (Shura Island), The St. Regis Red Sea Resort (Ummmahat Island), Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Ummmahat Island), Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea (Inland Dunes), Desert Rock (Mountain Resort), Shebara (Island Resort), Turtle Bay Hotel (Mainland).

Desert Rock Resort © Visit Red Sea

Air connectivity is vital to the nation’s hospitality strategy, as Cheeseborough explained: “There would be no point in creating a destination of this scale without ensuring that travellers can reach it easily.” The Red Sea International Airport connects the resort region to cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Milan. It has already served over 78,000 passengers over the first two quarters of the year, including over 11,000 international visitors. In addition, Red Sea project stakeholders are “in talks with several European airlines and our aim is to gradually expand the international network,” Cheeseborough said.

The RSG partnership has also completed the modernization of AlWajh International Airport, which is receiving flights, including three weekly connections from Riyadh and two from Jeddah, operated by Saudia. It is just 45 minutes in electric vehicle and 20 minutes by seaplane away from the stakeholders’ AMAALA resort.

L’article Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts: What’s open now and what’s coming by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Everything travellers need to know about Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa https://traveltomorrow.com/everything-travellers-need-to-know-about-saudi-arabias-package-visa/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:21:52 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=180511 Saudi Arabia has revealed further details of its new Package Visa, a digital initiative that allows eligible international visitors to book flights, accommodation, travel insurance and […]

L’article Everything travellers need to know about Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Saudi Arabia has revealed further details of its new Package Visa, a digital initiative that allows eligible international visitors to book flights, accommodation, travel insurance and a tourist visa through a single integrated package.

Following the launch of the pilot programme, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has published guidance covering eligible countries, package costs, visa validity, processing times and application requirements.

The initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s wider strategy to simplify international travel and expand its tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030.

What is Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa?

The Package Visa allows eligible travellers to receive an electronic Saudi tourist visa as part of an integrated tourism booking. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, insurance and a visa separately, visitors can complete the process through an approved travel provider.

Packages include an electronic tourist visa, confirmed return flights, accommodation and travel insurance. Travellers may also add tourism experiences, events, attractions and other activities to their itineraries.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the initiative was intended to make travel to the Kingdom more seamless by integrating visa issuance with travel bookings.

“As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors,” he said. “By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience.”

Al-Khateeb added that the initiative would strengthen collaboration across the tourism industry and support Saudi Arabia’s position as an increasingly accessible international destination.

Which countries are eligible?

The Package Visa pilot is currently available to citizens of seven countries:

  • Jordan
  • Egypt
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Indonesia
  • Mexico
  • Pakistan

The Ministry of Tourism said additional nationalities would be added as the programme expands into further international markets.

Which travel companies offer the Package Visa?

The Ministry currently lists two accredited travel agencies participating in the pilot programme: Reserval and Almosafer.

Bookings must be made through an approved travel and tourism service provider with the digital infrastructure and customer support systems required to process the packages.

As the programme develops, further travel companies may be authorised to offer the service.

How to apply for the Package Visa

Travellers must first select a qualifying tourism package through an accredited provider and complete the payment process using the company’s digital platform.

After the booking and personal information have been verified, the electronic tourist visa and travel insurance are issued. The traveller then receives the visa, flight details, hotel confirmation and other relevant travel documents by email.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the entire process is completed electronically and should be finalised within a maximum of 48 hours. Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.

How much does the Package Visa cost?

The Ministry has set minimum values for qualifying packages rather than establishing a single fixed price.

The package must cost at least SR4,000, approximately $1,065, per adult for the first two days combined. Each additional day must add at least SR1,000, or around $266, to the package value.

The tourist visa itself costs SR402.21, approximately $107. This amount includes both the visa issuance fee and the premium for the mandatory health insurance policy.

The final cost of a trip may be higher depending on the flights, hotel, length of stay and additional tourism experiences selected by the traveller.

What must the package include?

At a minimum, Package Visa bookings must include confirmed return flights, an electronic tourist visa application and accommodation in a hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and rated at least four stars.

The accommodation dates must correspond with the flight itinerary and cover the visitor’s entire stay between arrival and departure.

Packages can also include events, activities, attractions and other experiences, allowing travel providers to create more comprehensive itineraries.

How long can visitors stay?

Qualifying tourism packages must have a minimum duration of two days and a maximum duration of 88 days.

The Package Visa is valid for a single entry and remains valid for three months from the scheduled departure date indicated in the booking.

Travellers should carefully check that their flight and accommodation dates match before completing the purchase, as the visa is linked to the travel package.

Can Package Visa holders perform Umrah?

The tourism packages themselves do not include organised services or activities in the holy cities of Makkah or Madinah.

However, travellers receive a Saudi tourist visa and are permitted to travel elsewhere in the Kingdom after entering the country, including Makkah and Madinah, subject to the applicable rules governing access to the holy sites.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions

The Package Visa builds on Saudi Arabia’s existing range of entry options, including the tourist e-Visa, visa on arrival and Stopover Transit Visa.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, these initiatives contributed to the Kingdom welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025. The Package Visa is intended to make travel planning easier, encourage longer stays and strengthen cooperation between authorities, airlines, hotels and tourism companies.

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism playing an increasingly important role in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.

Saudi Arabia has also sought to expand its influence within the international tourism industry through initiatives such as TOURISE, a global platform bringing together leaders from tourism, technology, investment, sustainability and culture.

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034 are expected to accelerate investment further. Saudi Arabia plans to stage the tournament across 15 stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM, alongside major investment in transport, hospitality and visitor infrastructure.

By combining flights, accommodation, insurance and visa issuance within a single booking, the Package Visa represents another step towards reducing barriers for international visitors and creating a more connected travel experience. 

L’article Everything travellers need to know about Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Futuristic Saudi Arabian astrotourism centre to attract dark sky enthusiasts to desert https://traveltomorrow.com/futuristic-saudi-arabian-astrotourism-centre-to-attract-dark-sky-enthusiasts-to-desert/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:53:03 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=179546 Travellers are increasingly setting their sights on celestial bodies, with solar eclipse tourism reaching a frenzy in Europe in 2026 and totality headed for the Egyptian […]

L’article Futuristic Saudi Arabian astrotourism centre to attract dark sky enthusiasts to desert est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Travellers are increasingly setting their sights on celestial bodies, with solar eclipse tourism reaching a frenzy in Europe in 2026 and totality headed for the Egyptian pyramids in 2027. In line with such enthusiasm for turning our gaze starward, destinations that boast dark skies are proving popular—and now a new Dark Sky Park is planned for remote north-west Saudi Arabia, near the ancient city of AlUla.

AlUla is already reputed for the over-100 UNESCO-recognised monumental rock-cut tombs carved into sandstone cliffs at Hegra. But now design studio Heatherwick is set to create one of the first Dark Sky Parks in the region, after winning an international design competition with a visitor centre, including a planetarium, restaurant, and rooftop deck, as well as a research hub, forming one of the world’s largest observatories.

© Heatherwick Studio

The astrotourism mecca will be composed of tubular, shell-like forms, rough-clad to speak to the sandstone landscape. It’s not the first time Heatherwick has put forward a design that connotes the “big bang”—with radiating elements from a central core evoking the birth of the universe. Hopefully, this time, it will not fall apart like the 56-metre-tall “B of the Bang” public sculpture the designer imagined for Manchester to commemorate the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which had to be dismantled seven years later due to falling debris.

Construction in the world’s wildest places is always controversial, but Stuart Wood, executive partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio, noted that: “Space observatories are often remote, sterile places – technical outposts that feel distant from the public,” and explained, “we saw an opportunity to dissolve those barriers and create a place where visitors can step inside the wonder of the cosmos: an environment that is both immersive and inspiring, standing alongside the most advanced science of our time.”

The building’s tubes will boast shading devices to deal with daytime sunlight and preserve dark-sky visibility at night. Energy-efficient working windows will respond to changing desert weather and provide enviable vistas of the heavens and the earth all around.

Wood described the whole as inspired by the “dramatic spiralling geometries that shape both the solar system above us and the natural world around us. Three interlocking telescope-like formations reach skywards while remaining rooted in the desert landscape – embodying a dialogue between earth and universe.”

No opening date has been slated, but travellers are likely to be watching this space with anticipation. The wider masterplan holds a range of attractions aside from the on-site accommodation and stargazing lodge, including nearby hiking trails and remote pods. For now, there are no direct flights to AlUla International Airport from Europe, though domestic connections via Jeddah and Riyadh, as well as Gulf airports Doha and Dubai, are available.

L’article Futuristic Saudi Arabian astrotourism centre to attract dark sky enthusiasts to desert est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> Four Seasons opens new luxury island resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast https://traveltomorrow.com/four-seasons-opens-new-luxury-island-resort-on-saudi-arabias-red-sea-coast/ Fri, 22 May 2026 09:59:34 +0000 https://traveltomorrow.com/?p=177427 The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island officially opened on 20 May 2026 and is now welcoming its first guests. The opening […]

L’article Four Seasons opens new luxury island resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

]]> The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island officially opened on 20 May 2026 and is now welcoming its first guests. The opening marks a new step in the development of Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism sector. The resort is part of the wider Red Sea Project and has been developed by Red Sea Global in partnership with Kingdom Holding Company. It is also the first joint venture-developed resort within the Red Sea portfolio to officially enter the market.

The resort is located on Shura Island, one of the central islands within The Red Sea Project. This large-scale destination is designed as a collection of islands focused on luxury tourism and nature experiences. It already includes several open hotels, with more developments planned in the coming years. Shura Island itself is expected to host multiple resorts, a marina, and leisure facilities, making it a key hub in the wider project.

© Red Sea Global

The new Four Seasons property is positioned on the eastern tip of the island, surrounded by sea on three sides. The layout is designed to offer privacy and direct access to the coastline. The resort includes 149 rooms and suites, along with 31 residences. All units are designed with sliding glass walls that open fully to the outdoors, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The architecture is inspired by desert trade caravans, with accommodation clusters spread across the landscape in a low-density design.

The resort focuses on relaxation, comfort, and family-friendly experiences. Guests can choose between three swimming pools, including one for families, one for adults, and a lap pool located at the spa. The wellness area includes a traditional hammam, hydrotherapy facilities, and treatment rooms inspired by natural elements such as salt and water. Dining is spread across several restaurants, including plant-forward dishes at Sea Green, Levantine cuisine at Al Forn, and Italian-inspired meals at Spiaggia.

The destination also places strong emphasis on activities and exploration. Guests staying at the resort can now take part in scuba diving excursions in the Red Sea, which is known for its coral reefs and rich marine life. Other options include catamaran sailing, water sports, and guided desert adventures such as electric quad biking. Private beach dinners are also available, offering a more intimate experience by the sea.

© Red Sea Global

Sustainability is a key part of the resort’s concept and operations. The property is powered entirely by renewable energy and uses systems designed to reduce water and waste impact. This approach is part of the broader regenerative tourism model used by Red Sea Global. The goal is not only to reduce environmental harm but also to support long-term ecosystem protection in the region. This aligns with wider national tourism strategies linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Accessibility to the destination has also been expanded to support growing demand. Travellers can reach Red Sea International Airport with direct flights from cities such as Milan, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, and Dubai. The airport is located around a 25-minute drive from Shura Island, making access relatively smooth for an island destination. The wider Red Sea area currently has multiple hotels already open, with additional resorts planned to launch in the coming months.

L’article Four Seasons opens new luxury island resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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