TOURISE has unveiled its innovative ‘Visa by Profile’ initiative at its inaugural conference, the first of its kind worldwide.
The initiative enables eligible Visa cardholders interested in visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to receive expedited visa processing. Qualified travelers can obtain their electronic tourist visas within minutes using only their passport details and Visa card information.
The Visa by Profile is developed by the Saudi Tourism Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Visa and participating banks.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism Chairman – TOURISE Summit
“Visa by Profile is about access — access to opportunity, mobility, and connection. By bringing together financial institutions and tourism authorities, we are building a smarter framework for global travel that streamlines processes and expands access at scale. This marks a wider transformation in how nations facilitate movement — with faster decisions, more efficient systems, and a seamless experience for travelers worldwide. TOURISE embodies this shift, serving as a platform where collaboration drives innovation and the future of travel takes shape. TOURISE embodies this transformation as a platform that strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and shapes the future of global travel.”
Visa global head of government solutions Rajiv Garodia said that, “Our collaboration with TOURISE and Saudi government bodies on the Visa by Profile initiative builds on the Kingdom’s existing visa framework, making the process faster, more secure, and more user-friendly. By enabling secure, seamless visa approvals, we’re removing friction and creating a seamless digital pathway that benefits travelers, governments, and partners alike.”
TOURISE’s Visa by Profile initiative
According to the statement, the initiative seeks to remove barriers to travel, attract high-value tourists, and accelerate visa decision-making through digital integration and regulatory cooperation. It uses travelers’ credit scores to ensure financial solvency, addressing the needs of countries while streamlining approvals for millions of new travelers.
The initiative will be available to banks wishing to participate and is set to launch in 2026, with continued expansion as more banks and credit-card issuers join the partnership.
The Visa by Profile initiative is designed to fully automate the visa issuance process through seamless integration among government entities, airports, and digital systems operated by institutions such as credit bureaus and banks.
