As the GCC awaits confirmation of the Unified GCC Visa, the Kingdom's Ministry of Tourism is forging ahead with ensuring Saudi Arabia is top-of-mind and easily accessible for interested tourists by announcing a collaboration with Visa to issue instant tourist visas to cardholders through a groundbreaking digital platform that promises to cut down the traditional application process from days to mere minutes.
Announced at Tourise 2025, this new travel initiative introduces the world’s first ‘Visa by Profile’ system, which leverages advanced digital integration with Visa’s global network. The technology is designed to securely utilise existing, verified customer data profiles linked to Visa accounts, allowing eligible travellers to obtain necessary authorisation documents with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
This digital integration leverages existing, secure data linked to Visa accounts, effectively eliminating the traditional application timeline and positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of seamless, smart tourism. The new instant visa system will aim to provide Visa card holders, from around the world, with a premium, expedited service for qualified cardholders.
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What is 'Visa by Profile'?
The 'Visa by Profile' system is an initiative that integrates Saudi Arabia’s visa application process directly with Visa's secure global customer network. Instead of requiring applicants to manually submit extensive documentation and personal details, the system securely accesses pre-verified data already associated with an eligible traveler's Visa account profile.
This system effectively turns a traditionally paper-heavy, multi-day process into a seamless digital authorisation that can be completed in minutes. It focuses on leveraging existing trust and security protocols inherent in the financial network.
The goal is to eliminate friction points for tourists, significantly boosting the accessibility and appeal of Saudi Arabia as a global destination. By transforming the visa application into a seamless digital step, the Kingdom aims to welcome a higher volume of international visitors, directly supporting the ambitious targets of Saudi's Vision 2030 to diversify the economy through tourism.
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How Will It Work?
The primary benefit of the 'Visa by Profile' system will be eliminating friction for tourists by replacing manual travel visa submissions with an automated, profile-based verification, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in smart, accessible tourism.
The process operates by utilising the secure digital infrastructure shared between the Ministry of Tourism and Visa:
- Eligibility Check: An eligible traveler who is a Visa cardholder begins the process. The system initially targets specific nationalities and traveler segments who meet predefined criteria.
- Digital Integration: The system initiates a secure, encrypted connection with Visa’s network to access the individual's profile data. This data includes verified identity information and travel history linked to their Visa account.
- Instant Vetting: The platform runs the securely pulled profile data through the necessary government security and eligibility checks almost instantaneously. Because the data is already verified by a trusted global institution (Visa), the need for time-consuming manual document review is significantly reduced or eliminated.
- Instant Issuance: If the profile meets all the established requirements, the tourist visa is issued and linked digitally to the traveler's passport or Visa card in a matter of minutes.
When will Visa by Profile be introduced?
The 'Visa by Profile' system was announced at the Tourise 2025 summit and is scheduled to launch in 2026.
The new instant visa system will initially target specific nationalities and traveler segments, providing a premium, expedited service for qualified Visa cardholders. This deployment marks a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance its digital infrastructure and position itself at the forefront of global smart tourism, offering a frictionless travel experience from booking to arrival.
