Saudi Arabia Introduces 'Visa by Profile' Initiative for Instant Electronic Tourist Visas
Eligible Visa cardholders can now instantly obtain an electronic tourist visa using their card and passport details.
Saudi Arabia has launched the groundbreaking 'Visa by Profile' initiative, allowing eligible Visa cardholders to instantly secure their electronic tourist visa within minutes.
This innovative program was announced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb during the TOURISE25 summit, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing seamless and technologically advanced travel experiences.Developed in collaboration with key entities such as the Ministry of Interior, global financial services company Visa, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this initiative underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing the ease of travel for tourists.
Al-Khateeb highlighted that this move is pivotal in shaping the future of tourism, aiming for processes to be simple, seamless, and globally connected.Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the tourism sector, topping the rankings among G20 nations for international tourist arrivals in 2024 and leading globally in terms of tourism revenue growth from inbound visitors.
Having surpassed its initial goal of welcoming 100 million tourists six years early in 2023, the Kingdom is now setting ambitious targets to receive 150 million tourists annually by 2030, including 70 million international visitors and 80 million domestic travelers.During the final day of the three-day summit held at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Al-Khateeb unveiled three additional initiatives: Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, and Beyond Tourism.
These projects aim to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector by forming strategic partnerships with leading global institutions, including prestigious schools in hospitality worldwide.The Ministry of Tourism is placing a strong emphasis on advancing training and skills development to cultivate a new generation of professionals who can spearhead the growth of the tourism sector.
Al-Khateeb stressed that the ministry's focus remains on its people as the core component of the future of tourism.The TOURISE 2025 Summit, organized by the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took place from November 11 to 13 and aimed to shape the global tourism landscape through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
The next edition of the summit is scheduled for March 2027.
This innovative program was announced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb during the TOURISE25 summit, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing seamless and technologically advanced travel experiences.Developed in collaboration with key entities such as the Ministry of Interior, global financial services company Visa, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this initiative underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing the ease of travel for tourists.
Al-Khateeb highlighted that this move is pivotal in shaping the future of tourism, aiming for processes to be simple, seamless, and globally connected.Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the tourism sector, topping the rankings among G20 nations for international tourist arrivals in 2024 and leading globally in terms of tourism revenue growth from inbound visitors.
Having surpassed its initial goal of welcoming 100 million tourists six years early in 2023, the Kingdom is now setting ambitious targets to receive 150 million tourists annually by 2030, including 70 million international visitors and 80 million domestic travelers.During the final day of the three-day summit held at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Al-Khateeb unveiled three additional initiatives: Agentic Tourism, TOURISE Destination, and Beyond Tourism.
These projects aim to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector by forming strategic partnerships with leading global institutions, including prestigious schools in hospitality worldwide.The Ministry of Tourism is placing a strong emphasis on advancing training and skills development to cultivate a new generation of professionals who can spearhead the growth of the tourism sector.
Al-Khateeb stressed that the ministry's focus remains on its people as the core component of the future of tourism.The TOURISE 2025 Summit, organized by the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took place from November 11 to 13 and aimed to shape the global tourism landscape through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
The next edition of the summit is scheduled for March 2027.
