With a variety of tourist visa alternatives, Saudi Arabia entices Indian travelers and makes its varied attractions more accessible. Explore the dynamic cityscape of Riyadh, the cultural diversity of Jeddah, the undiscovered gems of the Red Sea, and the historic wonders of AlUla with stopover visa, eVisa services, and visa-on-arrival*Saudi. The updated regulations and range of visa choices accommodate diverse travel requirements, therefore motivating a greater number of tourists to discover the diverse nation.
Saudi Arabia Simplifies Tourist Visas for Indian Visitors: 10 Key Points To Know
- Visa Alternatives: Saudi Arabia offers a variety of tourist visa options, including stopover visas, eVisas, and visas-on-arrival for Indian travelers.
- Diverse Attractions: Travelers can explore Riyadh’s dynamic cityscape, Jeddah’s cultural diversity, the Red Sea’s undiscovered gems, and AlUla’s historic wonders.
- Saudi Vision 2030: The initiative aims to attract 7.5 million Indian tourists by 2030, capitalizing on India’s potential as the world’s largest source market.
- Current Goal: Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 2.2 million tourists by the end of 2024.
- Visa Facilitation Centers: There are ten visa facilitation centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Calicut, with plans to open more.
- Stopover Visa: Indian tourists can apply online for a stopover visa 90 days in advance on the Saudia website, valid for 96 hours with minimal costs for administrative and insurance services.
- eVisa Eligibility: Indian nationals with valid tourist or business visas from the US, UK, or Schengen countries, and permanent residents or valid residency visa holders of GCC nations can apply for an eVisa.
- Visa-on-Arrival: Travelers meeting the same criteria for eVisa can obtain a visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports, with applications possible at passport control offices or self-service kiosks.
- Tasheer Centers: Indian travelers who do not meet the criteria for eVisa or visa-on-arrival can apply for visas at any Tasheer Center in India, involving document preparation, appointments, biometrics, and passport retrieval.
- Umrah Visas: All visa types mentioned are valid for individuals wanting to conduct Umrah, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
With plans to open more specialized centers in other cities, there are now ten visa facilitation centers located in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Calicut. This aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to welcome 7.5 million Indian travelers by 2030 in order to capitalize on India’s potential as the world’s largest source market. The goal of Saudi Arabia is to welcome 2.2 million tourists by the end of 2024.
Stopover Visa
Indian tourists may now apply online 90 days in advance for a Stopover visa on the Saudia website. The visa is valid for 96 hours and costs a small amount for administrative and insurance services.
Indian nationals possessing a current tourist or business visa that is valid and has been stamped as evidence of entry from the US, the UK, or any other Schengen nation are eligible for the eVisa. Eligible persons include permanent residents of these countries and those holding a valid residency visa from a GCC nation that is valid for at least three months from the date of entrance into Saudi Arabia. Prior to travel, the eVisa may be acquired on the official website.
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Visa on arrival
At Saudi international airports, travelers who satisfy the same requirements as those holding a valid business or tourist visa from the US, UK, or Schengen nations and have entry stamps may also get a visa upon arrival. In Saudi airports, applications may also be made at passport control offices or self-service kiosks by those who have permanent residence in these nations.
Those who do not meet the aforementioned requirements may apply for the visa at any Tasheer Center in India. The procedure includes preparing documents, scheduling appointments, submitting applications, enrolling in biometrics, and retrieving passports.
For individuals who want to conduct Umrah, any of these visa types are acceptable.
*Visa-on-arrival, eVisa, and stopover visas have eligibility requirements and aren’t available to all travelers.
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