From ancient culture and traditions to fun outdoor activities and lip-smacking local cuisine, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to its visitors.

In recent times, the country has extended its branches into various industries making it one of the key players within the business domains, thus attracting many work and business visitors. 

According to the Saudi Tourism Ministry, the country crossed the 100 million tourist-mark in 2023 and is now aiming for 150 million tourists milestone by 2030. 

If you think the middle-east is just about vast plains of deserts, you are gravely mistaken. Visit Saudi Arabia and you’ll get to know how diverse and unique it actually is. 

Planning to visit Saudi Arabia? Here’s everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia visa for Indians. 


Do Indians need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia? 

Yes, Indians need to get a valid visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The visa is determined according to the purpose of travel of the applicant.

Indian passport holders can get their visa for Saudi Arabia from its consulate, embassy or recognised visa centres in India. 


Do Indians have visa-on-arrival for Saudi Arabia?

No, Indians cannot avail visa-on-arrival for Saudi Arabia. They need to produce a pre-approved visa to enter Saudi Arabia. 


Types of Saudi Arabia Visa

There are various types of Saudi Arabia visa from India. Applicants should determine the type of visa they require according to their purpose of travel. 

Visitor visa: For the purpose of tourism, family visits, business meetings, medical tourism and Umrah visit.

Business visa: For the purpose of conducting business meetings or conferences and is not applicable for applicants with professional occupations.

Work visa: For applicants invited to work in Saudi Arabia by a local agency or company.

Family visit visa: For applicants who want to visit their family members residing in Saudi Arabia.

Student visa: For applicants looking forward to studying at an educational institution in Saudi Arabia.

Hajj visa: These are special visas only for Muslim applicants who want to visit Saudi Arabia for the purpose of religious pilgrimage.

Transit visa: For applicants transiting through Saudi Arabia on the way to their final destination.  


What are the documents required for a Saudi Arabia visa for Indians? 

You cannot get a Saudi Arabia visa from India without submitting the required documents for verification and sanctioning. Here is a complete list of documents needed:

General documents required for a Saudi Arabia visa

  • Indian passport valid for atleast 6 months after your intended date of travel
  • Duly filled Saudi Arabia visa application form
  • Recent photograph
  • Detailed itinerary of the trip
  • Proof of return flight tickets and accommodation during the stay
  • Proof of sufficient financials to support your stay (last 3 months bank statements, ITR copies, last 3 months salary slips, certificate of registration of the company, etc.)
  • Necessary supporting documents like details of sponsor, offer letters, invitations, authorisation letters, certification, contracts, etc.
  • Travel insurance 
  • Medical report, if applicable


Saudi Arabia Visa Application Process

  • Collect the required documents for the Saudi Arabia visa as per your visa type.
  • Fill out the visa application form with correct details. 
  • Submit the visa application form along with all the documents to the consulate/embassy/visa provider for verification. In case you are applying through a visa provider, they will forward your application to the concerned authorities on your behalf.

Note: In case you have a valid UK/US/Schengen visa and have travelled with it, you may apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa. 

  • Pay the required visa fee. 
  • You may be called for a visa interview if the authorities are seeking more information to process your application.
  • Keep updated on the status of your application. 
  • Whether approved or rejected, you will be notified by the authorities on the status of your visa. Once approved, collect your visa from the concerned authorities and get ready to fly to Saudi Arabia!


Saudi Arabia Visa Fees for Indians

The visitor visa fee for Saudi Arabia from India is USD 80 or around INR 6,700.

Additional charges may be applicable by the visa authorities depending upon the digital and insurance fee. 


Processing Time for Saudi Arabia Visa From India 

The processing time for a Saudi Arabia visa from India depends on the type of visa you are applying for.

Average processing time for Saudi Arabia visa 

Tourist visa: 1-3 business days

Business visa: 1-2 business days

Medical visa: 1-3 business days

Family visit visa: 2-5 business days


Things to remember while applying for your Saudi Arabia Visa

Here are some points to remember while applying for your Saudi Arabia visa from India:

  • Make sure to provide true information while filling out your application form. Any discrepancies in the details may lead to visa rejection.
  • Do not miss any supporting documents to back your travel claims. 
  • Do not exceed your limit of stay and be mindful of your visa expiry date.
  • Respect the culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia.
  • The visa fee is subject to fluctuations. Keep yourself updated with the latest information. 
  • The family visit visa can be extended six days before its expiry and only three days after the expiry beyond which the extension cannot be granted.