Summary:
Eligibility: Indian citizens for business purposes in Saudi Arabia
Key Requirements:
Valid Passport (6+ months)
Invitation Letter (attested by Saudi authorities)
Company documents from both India and Saudi Arabia
Medical Insurance for the entire stay
Application Process:
Gather documents
Enjaz Registration & Payment
Submit to Saudi Embassy/Consulate or authorized agents
Timeline:
Processing Time: 3-5 working days
Visa Validity: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months (single/multiple entry)
Important:
Verify latest requirements with Saudi Embassy/Consulate
Apply well in advance of travel date
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.
Destination Airports: Ensure you're arriving at one of Saudi Arabia's international airports that offer Visa on Arrival services. These typically include:
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Madinah
Other airports might be added, so it's best to check the latest information before your trip.
Location: After disembarking and before proceeding to the immigration counters, look for the dedicated "Visa on Arrival" or "VOA" counters. These are usually well-signposted within the airport's arrivals hall.
Queue and Wait: Be prepared to queue. Waiting times can vary depending on the airport's traffic and the number of staff available.
Required Documents:
Valid Passport:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Saudi Arabia.
Check that your passport has at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
Onward/Return Ticket:
Proof of onward travel (to another country) or a return ticket to your home country.
Sometimes, proof of sufficient funds or a hotel booking might be requested, though not always mandatory.
Fee Structure:
The current VOA fee is SAR 440 (approximately USD 117).
This fee includes SAR 100 for health insurance, which covers you for the duration of your stay.
Payment Methods:
Typically, you can pay using major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) or cash in the local currency (SAR) or sometimes in USD.
Processing Time: After submitting your documents and paying the fee, the processing time is usually quick, often taking just a few minutes.
VOA Issuance:
Once your application is approved, your passport will be stamped with the Visa on Arrival.
Double-check your visa for any errors (e.g., name, nationality, duration of stay).
Proceed Through Immigration:
With your VOA in hand, you can now proceed to the immigration counters for entry into Saudi Arabia.
Websites:
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism: www.visitsaudi.com/en
eVisa Website: visa.visitsaudi.com
Language: Both websites are available in multiple languages, including English.
Required Information:
Personal Details:
Full Name (as it appears on your passport)
Date of Birth
Nationality
Gender
Travel Information:
Intended Dates of Travel
Purpose of Visit (Select "Tourism")
Accommodation Details (if available)
Contact Information:
Email Address
Phone Number
Mandatory Documents:
Scan of Your Passport:
Ensure the scan is clear and all details are visible.
Passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date.
Recent Digital Photo:
Meeting the specified requirements (check the website for dimensions and format).
Proof of Travel Arrangements:
Flight Itinerary or Travel Tickets
Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation (if available)
Additional Documents (If Required):
Proof of Health Insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Fee Structure:
Varies depending on the type of e-Visa (single entry, multiple entry, duration of stay).
Health Insurance: If not already covered, you can purchase it during the application process.
Payment Methods:
Online Payment: Major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted.
Processing Time:
Typically, e-Visas are processed within minutes to a few hours after submission.
In some cases, it might take longer, so apply well in advance of your trip.
e-Visa Delivery:
Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to the email address you provided during the application.
Print or Save: Ensure you have a printed copy or a clear digital version of your e-Visa for presentation upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
As per the Saudi Arabia tourist visa photo requirements, the following are the photo specifications required -
Embassy/Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Your Country: Find through a web search or your country's foreign ministry website.
Need more clarity on the Saudi Arabia visa? Check out helpful resources below
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Requirement
Saudi Arabia Business Visa Requirement
Saudi Arabia Visit Visa Requirement
No, employment is strictly prohibited under a tourist visa.
Typically within minutes to a few hours, but can vary.
Yes, but conditions and fees apply. Check with the relevant Saudi authorities.
As per the regulations, there is no mandatory requirements regarding the number of funds needed. The embassy requires that you possess enough funds to sustain your stay in the country. The bank statements also need to show steady transactions. Ensure that you do not have any unusual funds flowing in.
The Saudi tourist category is issued within a few days itself. In extreme cases, it may take slightly longer. As a result, if you apply for it a week or two in advance, you will most likely receive the visa in time for your flight.
Yes, the tourist visa can be used to enter the cities of Mecca and Medina for travellers belonging to the Muslim religion. However, the cities are restricted to people from other categories. If you are visiting the country for Hajj or Umrah, you must apply for the Hajj visa or Umrah visa instead of the regular tourist visa