Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa For Indians - Definitive Guide

The tourist permit is an endorsement that lets people enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to engage in tourism activities. The visa is issued as a multiple-entry time and will be valid for 1 year with a maximum stay duration of 90 days. The Saudi Arabia tourist visa from India has to be made through an embassy or consulate. However, in the following years, the Saudi tourist visa from India may even be issued as an e-visa or visa on arrival.

The application for the tourist permit is done in a unique way. You will not be able to apply for it directly at the embassy or consulate. Although, currently 49 nationalities can simply use an online portal and apply for an e-visa. Before starting an application for the Saudi tourist visa for Indian citizens, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel on the tourist permit.  You can then apply as per the following - 

1. Visit one of the Saudi embassy authorized agency. 
2. Fill in the application form for the tourist permit. 
3. Submit your documents to the agency.
4. The agency will then forward your application to the Saudi embassy/consulate in India.

Note:- You cannot directly approach the embassy for your application.  

To be able to apply for the tourist permit, you must be eligible for it. In order to do so, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry in Saudi.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the country.
• You must be at least 18 years of age. If you are below it, you must be accompanied by a legal guardian. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be tourism.

As per the Saudi Arabia tourist visa requirements from India, you must need the following documents for your applications - 

• A valid passport
• 2 photos as per the specifications
• Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
• Round trip flight tickets
• If employed, an employee letter from the Indian company
• Bank statement of the last three months
• Complete travel itinerary

As per the Saudi Arabia tourist visa photo requirements, the following are the photo specifications required - 

• Recently taken
• Coloured, with a white background
• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Face should cover 80% of the photo
• Facial expression - neutral
• Head in a central location
• Eyeglasses are not permitted
• Headwear - permitted in case of religious reasons

The time for processing the application usually depends on the volume of applications at the embassy. Normally, Saudi permits are processed fast. As a result, in most cases, you can receive the processed visa within 2 working days after the submission. Therefore, ensure that you apply at least a week in advance.

The Saudi tourist visa fees for Indian citizens include the application fee as well as the insurance charges that vary according to the age. Apart from this, there may be service charges for the authorized agencies as well as any additional delivery charges, etc. As a result, check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application at the authorized agencies, they will then forward them to the embassy/consulate for processing. In the meanwhile, you will not be able to withdraw or modify the application. As a result, ensure that you provide correct information and the right documents. Providing fake information or false documentation can lead to visa rejection. 

Since the mode of application is offline, it is generally not possible to track the visa status. Also, the processing time being short has also made it unnecessary to check the status. In case you require any additional help or if you need more information, you can contact the travel agency you applied through.

Note:- In case of e-visa applications from outside India, you may track it online through the portal. 

Once you have received your tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a safe and sound trip- 

Before travelling

• You must note the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries provided. Your trip must be in accordance with these.
• Carry all your travel documents without fail. 

At the border 

• You will have to show the documents to the border control officers at your port of entry.
• Possessing the visa will not directly allow you entry. Your entry will be decided by the border patrol officers.

In the country

• While you are in the country, you must not take part in any kind of work. 
• You must carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• The tourist permit does not grant entry to non-muslims into the holy cities of Mecca and Medinah. 
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strict laws regarding dress codes, public behaviour, alcohol, etc. You must strictly abide by the laws and customs during your stay. Failure to do so will lead to deportation and judicial action.
• You must leave the country on or before your expiry date or at the end of your permitted stay duration, whichever comes first. Staying back in the country after this will attract hefty fines.