Saudi Arabia launches revolutionary digital visa application system – Visa by Profile. Find out how the new instant e-visa format works for Visa cardholders, who will be able to benefit from simplified access to the Kingdom, when the program starts, as well as what benefits, requirements and practical tips to consider before traveling

Saudi Arabia is taking another big step towards digitalization and simplification of international travel. The country has officially introduced the Visa by Profile program, an innovative system that will allow holders of eligible Visa cards to receive a tourist e-visa in just a few minutes. The initiative was presented at the TOURISE 2025 summit in Riyadh and has already been called one of the most progressive in the world.

Read how the new system of instant tourist e-visas will work in this article.

Before you go to Saudi Arabia, take care of your safety and comfort.

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What is Visa by Profile in Saudi Arabia and how does it work?

The new system was created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority and the international payment company Visa. The essence of the project is simple:

1. A traveler who has a Visa card that meets the established criteria enters passport and card details;

2. The system automatically confirms the profile.

3. The tourist receives an electronic visa almost instantly.

According to the Saudi News Agency, this is the world's first visa model of this format.

How will the launch of Visa by Profile in Saudi Arabia affect travelers?

The launch of Visa by Profile in Saudi Arabia will be a real breakthrough in travel:

- Minimum bureaucracy - no long online questionnaires and confirmations;

- Speed ​​– instead of waiting days or weeks for a decision, the e-visa is issued virtually in real time;

- Simplicity of the process – all you need is a Visa card that meets the program’s requirements;

- More opportunities for spontaneous travel, including last-minute bookings.

The initiative is fully aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which envisages increasing tourist arrivals to 150 million visitors per year, of which 70 million are foreign.

Who will be eligible and participate in Visa by Profile in Saudi Arabia?

The Ministry of Tourism reports that:

- The system will be available to Visa cardholders worldwide, but with certain restrictions;

- Criteria may vary depending on the country and issuing bank;

- The full list of countries and banks will be announced closer to launch;

- The official launch of the program is planned for 2026, so that banks have time to technically integrate.

Meanwhile, the standard e-visa portal in Saudi Arabia already works for over 60 countries and offers single and multiple-entry visas.

Why is this initiative so important for Saudi Arabia?

Visa by Profile is not just a technical solution. It is an element of a large-scale strategy of Saudi Arabia:

1. Transition to open and accessible tourism;

2. Development of not only the premium segment, but also the mass tourism market;

3. Emphasis on digital services that reduce barriers to entry;

4. Strengthening the image of the country as modern, innovative and hospitable.

All this should push the development of the tourism ecosystem - from airlines to hotels and operators.

Expected effect for the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia

Experts are already calling the program potentially revolutionary, as it is expected:

- An increase in the number of new tourist routes;

- Growing demand for short and spontaneous trips;

- Expanding the audience of travelers without complex visa requirements;

- New partnerships between banks, travel services and airlines.

For Saudi Arabia, this is a chance to strengthen its position in global tourism and attract the attention of new categories of visitors.

Practical tips for future tourists in Saudi Arabia

Despite the simplification, travelers should:

- Check whether their Visa card meets the requirements;

- Make sure that the passport is valid and meets the standards;

- Clarify national entry requirements;

- Take care of medical insurance, accommodation and transport reservations in advance.

Current information is regularly updated on the website of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.

In the coming years, tourists will be able to experience real changes, as arriving in Riyadh or Jeddah will resemble a trip to a digital state. Visas will be issued in advance, so there will be no need to stand in lines at the airport. For the kingdom, this is another step towards forming a new tourist image - open and technological.

How will the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia develop further?

At the next TOURISE Summit, scheduled for March 2027, it is expected to present new services that will complement Visa by Profile: “Agent Tourism”, “Tourist Destination”, “Beyond Tourism” and other innovative programs.

Saudi Arabia is moving to make travel as simple as possible - literally in one click.

We also advise travelers from Moldova, Ukraine, Ecuador and citizens of other countries to prepare for their trip in advance and use the Visit World Tourist Guide - a convenient tool that helps to understand the visa rules and requirements of different countries. The guide contains:

- Detailed instructions on visa rules and requirements;

- Explanations of documents that may be needed upon entry;

- Tips on safety, transport, accommodation and movement around the country;

- Life hacks for saving and preparing for travel;

- Current information on customs rules, insurance and local regulations.

The guide will be useful not only when traveling to Saudi Arabia, but also when traveling to any country in the world - thanks to universal recommendations and constantly updated information, which allows you to avoid mistakes and prepare as effectively as possible.

Make your trip simple and predictable - choose insurance and a guide from Visit World and travel with confidence.

Reminder! Saudi Arabia is lifting a long-standing ban on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Starting in 2026, expats will be able to invest in housing without residency, sponsors, and million-dollar investments. We have already talked about the new rules, prospects for investors, and key changes for foreigners in the kingdom.

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