Saudi Arabia to Issue Tourist Visas in Minutes via Visa Card Link

Saudi Arabia will issue tourist visas in minutes for eligible Visa cardholders through a new digital system called Visa by Profile.

Qualified travellers will be able to obtain an electronic tourist visa using only passport details and Visa card information. The system uses travellers’ credit scores to verify financial solvency to meet destination requirements while simplifying approvals. A launch is planned in 2026, with expansion as more banks and card issuers join the scheme.

Developed by the Saudi Tourism Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Tourism, the model is designed to accelerate visa decisions through deeper digital and regulatory integration.

The system is set to automate visa issuance via coordinated connectivity between government entities, airports, credit bureaus and financial institutions, linking financial verification with travel authorisation to streamline approvals for travellers and authorities.