Saudi Arabia has announced a relaxation of visa requirements for Pakistani tourists, making it easier for them to visit the Kingdom.

Under the new guidelines, Pakistani citizens can now apply for a Saudi tourist visa by submitting a bank statement showing a monthly credit of $750 USD or its equivalent. Previously, more stringent financial requirements were in place.

The move comes as the number of Pakistani visitors to Saudi Arabia surged by 43% last year, with an estimated 2.7 million Pakistani tourists expected to visit in 2024.

To facilitate the growing number of tourists, Saudi Arabia has established dedicated visa application centers in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan. These centers provide various services to those seeking to visit the Kingdom, including visa application assistance.

To avoid long waiting times, travelers are encouraged to book appointments online through the Tashier website prior to their trip.

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Saudi Arabia has also introduced a transit visa for Pakistani travelers arriving on specific airlines. This visa allows visitors to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours. Additionally, an on-arrival visa is available for those holding valid visas from the United Kingdom, the United States, or the Schengen Area.

Last year, Saudi Arabia introduced a one-year multiple-entry visa for Pakistani travelers, enabling them to make multiple trips to the Kingdom within a year and perform Umrah pilgrimage.