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 process is now easier than ever, thanks to the introduction of e-visas. In 2023 alone, over 24.7 million foreign tourists visited Saudi Arabia, indicating a significant uptick in tourism, with India being one of the top five source countries.

The Saudi eVisa can be applied for online via the official Saudi eVisa portal.

• Visit the official eVisa website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com
• Create an account: Register with your email ID and create a password.
• Fill out the application form: Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel details.
• Upload necessary documents: Provide a passport-size photo and a copy of your passport.
• Pay the visa fee: Use a credit card or debit card to pay the fee of SAR 535.
• Receive your eVisa: After approval, you will receive your eVisa via email. Print a copy to carry with you during your travel.

Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Saudi Arabia tourist visa either online through the eVisa portal or via a consulate application. Since the Saudi government encourages tourism, Indian travelers with a valid passport can now easily apply.

• Eligible Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Minors can only apply when accompanied by a guardian.
• Previous Visa Holders: As of 2023, Indian nationals account for a large share of the visas granted, with over 1.5 million Indian visitors traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, and pilgrimage annually.

The Saudi government has seen a 500% increase in tourist visa applications since 2019, when the kingdom first opened its doors to international tourists, including Indian nationals.

In 2022 alone, more than 40,000 Indian tourists visited Saudi Arabia, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.

With a streamlined visa process, Indians can easily apply online for a tourist visa. However, it is crucial to know the specific documents required to ensure a smooth visa application process.

1. Passport:

   • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Saudi Arabia.
   • Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
   • Indian Travelers: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reported that more than 85% of rejected visa applications are due to passport issues, so double-check the validity.

2. Photograph:

   • Size: A recent passport-sized color photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm).
   • Background: Must be taken against a white background.
   • Face Coverage: Your face must cover 70-80% of the photo area, with no headgear except for religious reasons.

3. Visa Application Form:

   • Fill out the official e-Visa application form available online at the Saudi Arabia visa portal.
   • Ensure all information matches the details on your passport and other documents.

4. Flight Itinerary:

   • A confirmed round-trip flight booking.
   • The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism reported that applicants who provided confirmed flight bookings saw a 25% reduction in visa processing time.

5. Proof of Accommodation:

   • A hotel booking or an invitation letter from a Saudi host (for stays with friends or family).
   • The visa system is linked with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism's digital platform, allowing verification of bookings, ensuring 90% fewer rejections due to accommodation issues.

6. Travel Insurance:

   • Proof of medical and travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.
   • Your insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, including COVID-19 treatment, with a minimum coverage of USD 30,000.
   • Indian insurance providers often partner with Saudi firms, making it easier to obtain compliant travel insurance.

7. Financial Proof:

   • Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support your stay (generally for the last 3 to 6 months).
   • Though there is no official minimum balance requirement, Saudi officials recommend at least INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 as proof of financial stability.

8. Return Ticket:

   • A return flight ticket to ensure that the traveler intends to leave Saudi Arabia after their trip.

9. Vaccination Certificate (If Required):

   • COVID-19 vaccination proof, if applicable.
   • Saudi Arabia has seen a 98% recovery rate from COVID-19, and as a precautionary measure, vaccinated travelers may be given preference in visa processing.

10. NOC from Employer or University (If applicable):

• If you are employed, you may need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.
• Students may need an NOC from their institution, confirming their travel plans.

11. Cover Letter:

• A personal cover letter explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and the duration of your stay.
• Statistics show that including a detailed cover letter increases the chances of visa approval by 20%.

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 saudi visa processing time varies based on several factors like the mode of application, applicant's nationality, and the volume of visa requests. For Indian citizens, the typical processing time can range between 24 hours to 7 business days.

• Standard Processing Time:

  • The average processing time for a Saudi tourist visa for Indian applicants is around 2 to 5 business days if applying online via the eVisa portal.
  • In certain cases, such as during high tourism seasons, processing may take up to 7 business days.

• eVisa for Indian Passport Holders:

  • Introduced in 2019, the eVisa allows Indian tourists to apply online, significantly reducing the time required. The approval is often received in 24 to 48 hours in 90% of cases.
  • More than 70% of Indian travelers use the eVisa option due to its convenience and shorter processing period.

• Visa Application Centers (VACs):

  • For those preferring to apply through physical application centers, the processing time is typically 5-7 business days.
  • Indian applicants can access over 14 VACs located in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.

• Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons:

  • The fastest processing times occur during off-peak periods (March-June and September-November), where 90% of visas are processed within 2-3 business days.
  • During peak times (like Ramadan, Hajj, and holiday seasons), processing may extend to 5-7 business days, with delays observed in around 25% of cases.

For Indian passport holders, Saudi Arabia offers multiple options for obtaining a tourist visa, whether for religious pilgrimages or leisure travel.

1. Saudi Tourist Visa Types and Fees for Indian Travelers

As of 2023, the following are the primary tourist visa options available for Indian citizens:

a) eVisa (Electronic Visa):

• Validity: 1 year (Multiple Entry)
• Stay Duration: 90 days per visit
• Fee: SAR 463 (Approx. ₹10,100)
• Processing Time: 24 to 72 hours

The eVisa allows tourists to visit the country for leisure, events, and Umrah (excluding Hajj). This is the most popular option for Indian travelers due to its ease of application and flexibility.

b) Consular Visa:

• Validity: Varies (Single or Multiple Entry)
• Stay Duration: Depends on visa type
• Fee: SAR 300 to SAR 800 (₹6,600 to ₹17,600)

The consular visa involves applying through the Saudi embassy or consulate in India. It is more common for specific cases, like long-term travel or special purposes.

2. Additional Costs Associated with the Tourist Visa

Beyond the standard visa fees, travelers should be aware of a few extra charges that may be incurred:

• Insurance Fee: Each tourist visa includes mandatory medical insurance, which costs around SAR 140 (₹3,050) and covers emergency medical situations during the stay.
• Service Fee: Depending on the method of application (eVisa platform, travel agents, or visa centres), applicants might be charged an additional service fee.
• Express Processing: If urgent processing is required, an express service fee can increase the cost by SAR 50 to SAR 100 (₹1,100 to ₹2,200).

3. Total Cost Breakdown for Indian Tourists

An Indian tourist planning to visit Saudi Arabia for a short stay using the eVisa option would face the following expenses:

• eVisa Fee: SAR 463 (₹10,100)
• Insurance: SAR 140 (₹3,050)
• Service Charges: Depends
• Total Estimated Cost: SAR 633 to SAR 653 (₹13,800 to ₹14,250)

For those applying for a consular visa or opting for a visa on arrival, costs could vary depending on the specific visa and travel requirements.

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.