Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians 2026: Requirements, Fees, Documents & Application Process

A Saudi Arabia visa is an official permit issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs that grants Indian citizens legal entry into the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2019. What was once one of the world's most difficult countries to visit as a tourist is now actively welcoming international visitors through its Vision 2030 initiative. The launch of the tourist e-visa in September 2019 opened the country to independent travelers for the first time in modern history.

We understand that applying for a Saudi visa can feel unfamiliar - the rules are different from Western countries, and misinformation about Saudi Arabia's requirements circulates widely online. Many Indian travelers worry about dress codes, gender restrictions, and complex bureaucracy. The reality in 2026 is far simpler and more welcoming than most people expect. Saudi Arabia has reformed its visa system dramatically: women can now travel independently without a male guardian, the abaya is no longer mandatory for female tourists (modest dress suffices), and the e-visa process takes minutes from your phone.

This guide covers every Saudi visa type available to Indian passport holders, with India-specific advice on fees, documents, and processes. We have helped hundreds of Indian travelers - pilgrims, tourists, professionals, and families - navigate Saudi visa applications, and this guide reflects the real-world experience we have gained. For a complete overview of all visa categories we cover, visit our visa guide directory.

Tourist E-visa - Most Common for Indians

The Saudi tourist e-visa was launched in September 2019 as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 tourism strategy. This is the most convenient option for Indian travelers:

• Tourism: Visit Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Edge of the World, Diriyah
• Umrah + Tourism: The tourist e-visa also permits Umrah (year-round, except during Hajj days)
• Family Visits: Visit family or friends residing in Saudi Arabia
• Transit + Stopovers: Extended layovers exploring Saudi cities

Duration: Up to 90 days per visit

Validity: 1 year from issue date, multiple entries

Processing: Instant approval in most cases; 5-30 minutes online

Fee: SAR 535 (approx Rs. 11,770) including medical insurance and VAT

The tourist e-visa is processed entirely online through the official KSA Visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). You do NOT need to visit an embassy, VFS center, or submit your passport. The approved visa is sent electronically and linked to your passport number.

For comprehensive information on all visa types available to Indian citizens, browse our full visa guide collection.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Indians holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain a Saudi tourist visa upon arrival at any international Saudi airport:

• Eligibility: Must hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once (stamped entry) OR is valid for travel
• Duration: Up to 90 days per visit
• Validity: 1 year multiple entry (from date of issuance)
• Fee: SAR 480 (approx Rs. 10,560) including medical insurance
• Processing: 2-5 minutes at immigration kiosk

Important conditions for VOA:

• Your US/UK/Schengen visa must be valid (not expired)
• The visa must be a tourist/business visa, not a transit or crew visa
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• You must have a return or onward ticket
• The VOA cannot be used for Hajj (Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa)

Umrah Visa (Year-Round Since 2023)

Since 2023, Saudi Arabia made the Umrah visa available year-round - a significant policy change. Previously, Umrah visas were restricted to specific months. Indian Muslims can now perform Umrah at any time of the year:

• Application: Online through the KSA Visa portal (same as tourist e-visa) or through authorized Umrah travel agents
• Requirements: Valid passport, confirmed Umrah package (flights + accommodation), vaccination certificates (meningitis, COVID-19)
• Duration: Up to 90 days (with multiple entries for the visa validity period)
• Fee: SAR 535 (same as tourist e-visa, includes insurance) plus Umrah package cost
• Gender rules: Women of all ages can perform Umrah without mahram

Note on Umrah vs Hajj: Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, involves fewer rituals, and takes a few hours. Hajj occurs on specific Islamic dates (Dhul Hijjah 8-12), involves extensive rituals over 5-6 days, and requires a separate quota-based visa. The tourist e-visa and Umrah visa both allow Umrah, but neither permits Hajj.

Hajj Visa (Seasonal, Quota-Based)

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for every financially and physically able Muslim. For Indian pilgrims, the Hajj visa process is managed through a government quota system:

• India's Hajj Quota: Approximately 175,000-200,000 pilgrims annually (varies based on bilateral agreement)
• Application Channels:
• Hajj Committee of India (for state quota pilgrims)
• Private Hajj Group Operators (for private quota pilgrims)
• Processing Time: Applications open 4-6 months before Hajj; results announced 2-3 months prior
• Fee: SAR 2,000-5,000+ (approx Rs. 44,000-1,10,000) depending on package and accommodation
• Validity: Single entry, valid only for Hajj season (approximately Dhul Hijjah 1-15)
• Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), COVID-19 and meningitis vaccination, Mahram for women under 45 (required for Hajj, unlike Umrah)

Critical: You CANNOT perform Hajj on a tourist e-visa, Umrah visa, or any non-Hajj visa. Doing so is a serious violation that can result in deportation and a re-entry ban.

Employment/Work Visa

Saudi Arabia is the #1 destination for Indian migrant workers, with approximately 2.6 million Indians living and working in the Kingdom. The employment visa process is employer-sponsored:

• Eligibility: Job offer from a Saudi employer approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)
• Application: Employer files through the Qiwa platform and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Documents: Valid passport, medical examination report from approved Indian diagnostic centers, attested educational certificates (attestation from Indian Ministry of External Affairs + Saudi Embassy), police clearance certificate
• Fee: SAR 2,000-3,000 (approx Rs. 44,000-66,000) typically paid by employer
• Processing: 2-4 weeks after all documents are submitted
• Validity: 1-2 years (renewable, tied to employment contract)

Important for Indian workers:

• Your employer holds your passport (widespread practice but legally your passport belongs to you)
• The Kafala (sponsorship) system ties your residency to your employer
• You must register with Absher (the national e-services platform) after arrival
• An Iqama (residence ID) is issued after arrival and medical screening
• Changing employers requires NOC from current sponsor (reforms since 2021 have eased this for some sectors)

Business Visa

For Indian professionals traveling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes:

• Application: Through Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs online portal or VFS Tasheer
• Sponsorship: Requires a Saudi company or organization to issue an invitation/business authorization
• Duration: Up to 30-90 days per visit
• Validity: Single or multiple entry, up to 1 year
• Fee: SAR 1,000-1,500 (approx Rs. 22,000-33,000) depending on entry type
• Documents: Invitation letter from Saudi company, company registration copy, NOC from Indian employer

Family Visit Visa

For Indian residents of Saudi Arabia sponsoring their family members (spouse, children, parents):

• Eligibility: Sponsor must hold a valid Iqama (residence permit)
• Duration: 30-90 days per visit
• Validity: Single or multiple entry, up to 6 months-2 years
• Fee: SAR 500-1,000 (approx Rs. 11,000-22,000) plus medical insurance
• Processing: 1-3 weeks after application
• Documents: Sponsor's Iqama copy, attested marriage certificate (for spouse), attested birth certificates (for children), family relationship proof

Transit Visa

For Indian travelers connecting through Saudi airports with extended layovers:

• Airside Transit: For connections under 12 hours where you remain in the airport
• Transit Visa (96 hours): For stopovers up to 96 hours allowing exit from the airport
• Application: Through Saudi airlines (Saudia, flynas, flyadeal) or online via KSA Visa
• Fee: SAR 300 (approx Rs. 6,600) for 96-hour transit visa
• Condition: Must have a confirmed onward flight within 96 hours

Pro tip: If you have a layover of 6+ hours in Jeddah or Riyadh, consider getting the transit visa. You can visit nearby attractions - Jeddah's historical district (Al-Balad) is a 20-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport.

1. Official Visa Fees

2. VFS Tasheer Service Charges (for work/family/business visa applicants)

3. Additional Costs for Work Visa Attestation

Note: All visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Tourist e-visa and VOA fees include mandatory medical insurance valid in Saudi Arabia. Hajj visa costs vary significantly based on the package tier (economy to deluxe).

Core Documents (for All Visa Types)

• Valid Passport - Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, minimum 2 blank pages
• Visa Application Form - Online form via KSA Visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal
• Two Passport-Sized Photos - 4x6 cm (Saudi-specific size), white background, no glasses
• Medical Insurance - Included in tourist e-visa/VOA fee; separate purchase needed for work/family/business visas
• Return/Onward Flight Ticket - Confirmed reservation showing departure from Saudi Arabia
• Proof of Accommodation - Hotel bookings for entire stay OR host address if staying with family/friends
• Proof of Financial Means - Bank statements (last 3-6 months), salary slips
• Cover Letter - Explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to India (recommended for work/business visas)

Saudi-Specific Documents

Documents for Tourist E-visa (Simplified Process)

The tourist e-visa requires only:

1. Valid passport with 6+ months validity
2. Digital photograph
3. Personal information and travel details
4. Credit/debit card for fee payment

That is it. No bank statements, no flight bookings, no hotel reservations are required for the Saudi tourist e-visa application itself. This makes it one of the easiest visas in the world for Indian citizens to obtain.

Why the Saudi Authorities Require These Documents

Understanding why Saudi authorities ask for specific documents helps you prepare them correctly and avoid rejections:

Medical examination (work visa): Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest communicable disease rates in the region, and the mandatory medical screening is how they maintain this. The test must be conducted at an approved center in India - tests done at non-approved clinics are rejected outright. The law requires all foreign workers to be free from infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B/C, and tuberculosis. If your test returns positive for a listed condition, your work visa will be denied and you cannot appeal.

Attested educational certificates (work visa): The three-step attestation process (State Notary + MEA + Saudi Embassy) is the Kingdom's way of verifying that your qualifications are genuine. Degree mills and fake certificates are a known problem in the Gulf labor market. The Saudi Ministry of Education cross-checks attested certificates against their equivalence database. If you have a degree from a recognized Indian university, this process is straightforward but time-consuming - start 4-6 weeks before you need to submit.

Police clearance certificate (work visa): Saudi Arabia screens all foreign workers for criminal history. Even minor offenses in India can complicate work visa approval. The certificate must be issued within the last 3 months and must cover your entire adult life (typically 18+ years). If you have lived in multiple Indian states, you may need PCCs from each jurisdiction.

Vaccination certificates (Umrah/Hajj): The meningitis vaccine is mandatory because large pilgrim gatherings historically had outbreak risks. The Saudi Ministry of Health requires the Quadrivalent (ACWY) vaccine administered at least 10 days before arrival. The vaccine should be valid for 3-5 years depending on the type. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended but not currently mandatory as of early 2026.

Passport photograph specifications: Saudi visa photos have stricter requirements than most countries. The 4x6 cm size is specific to Saudi Arabia - standard 35x45 mm photos used for Schengen or US visas will be rejected. The photo must be professionally taken against a pure white background, no shadows, no smile, no glasses (even prescription), and 80% face coverage.

Indian Banking Nuances for Saudi Arabia Visa

While the tourist e-visa does not require bank statements, work visa and business visa applicants do need to demonstrate financial stability. Here is how major Indian banks handle the documents you will need:

Key banking rules for Saudi visa applications:

• For work visa salary verification: Your bank statement must clearly show salary credits matching your employment contract amount. If your employer deducts PF, insurance, etc. before crediting, get a salary breakup letter from your Indian employer explaining the net salary vs. gross salary difference
• Bank statements must be in English - Hindi or regional language statements will not be accepted
• If you are sponsoring family members for a Family Visit visa, your Saudi bank statement (from Saudi banks like Al Rajhi, NCB, Samba) showing stable salary credits is stronger than Indian bank statements
• Fixed deposit receipts and PPF statements are accepted as supplementary asset proof but do not replace regular salary credits
• For self-employed business visa applicants: Provide 2 years of IT returns, GST registration, and CA-certified financial statements
• Avoid large cash deposits in the 3 months before applying - the Saudi Ministry of External Affairs flags unexplained large transactions

Where you live in India affects your Saudi visa application in several ways - most importantly for the Hajj quota system and document attestation processes:

Hajj State Quota System - Explained

India's annual Hajj quota of approximately 175,000-200,000 seats is distributed across states and union territories through the Hajj Committee of India. The allocation is based on state-wise Muslim population:

Important: If you miss the Hajj Committee of India registration window, you can still apply through Private Hajj Group Operators (PGOs) who hold a separate allocation. However, PGO packages are typically 30-50% more expensive than the government quota.

For Tourist E-visa (Simplest - 5 Minutes Online)

Step 1: Visit the KSA Visa Portal

Go to the official KSA Visa website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com

Step 2: Select Your Nationality and Visa Type

1. Select India as your nationality
2. Choose Tourist Visa
3. Select Multiple Entry (only option available)
4. Read and accept the terms and conditions

Step 3: Fill in Personal Details

1. Enter your full name as on passport (exactly matching)
2. Enter your passport details (number, issue date, expiry date)
3. Enter your date of birth, nationality, gender
4. Enter your address in India
5. Enter your emergency contact details
6. Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background)

Step 4: Pay the Fee

1. Fee: SAR 535 (approx Rs. 11,770) — includes medical insurance and VAT
2. Pay by credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX)
3. Insurance is automatically included in the fee

Step 5: Receive Your Visa

1. Within 2-10 minutes, your e-visa will be emailed to you
2. Download the PDF copy and save it on your phone
3. The visa is linked to your passport number — no need to print if you have it digitally
4. Immigration officers at Saudi airports can access your visa using your passport number

That is it. No embassy visit required, no documents to courier, no appointment to book.

For Visa on Arrival (at Saudi Airports)

Step 1: Verify Eligibility Before Travel

Ensure you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (tourist or business, NOT transit or crew). The visa must be valid for entry into those countries.

Step 2: Fly to Saudi Arabia

Book a flight to any Saudi international airport: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), or Madinah (MED).

Step 3: Proceed to VOA Kiosks at Arrival

1. Look for the Visa on Arrival kiosks after immigration and baggage claim
2. Select your nationality (India)
3. Enter your passport details
4. Pay SAR 480 (approx Rs. 10,560) by credit card
5. Receive your visa confirmation

Step 4: Clear Immigration

Present your passport with the new visa to immigration. Your visa is valid for 1 year from issuance with multiple entries, allowing stays up to 90 days per visit.

For Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored Process)

Step 1: Job Offer and Contract

Your Saudi employer issues a job offer. Once you accept, they initiate the work visa process through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 2: Document Attestation (India-side)

1. Notarize your educational certificates at a local notary
2. Attest at MEA: Ministry of External Affairs, Patiala House, New Delhi (or regional MEA offices)
3. Attest at Saudi Embassy: Submit attested documents to the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate in your jurisdiction

Step 3: Medical Examination

Visit an MOH-approved medical center in India (list available on the Saudi Embassy website) for a comprehensive medical check-up. Results are valid for 6 months.

Step 4: Police Clearance Certificate

Apply for a PCC at your local police station or Passport Seva Kendra. Get it attested by MEA.

Step 5: E-Visa Issuance by MOFA

Once your employer completes the Saudi-side processing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues an e-visa. You receive a visa reference number.

Step 6: VFS Tasheer Appointment

1. Visit the VFS Tasheer website: https://www.vfstasheer.com
2. Select Saudi Arabia and India
3. Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Tasheer center
4. Submit your passport for visa stamping
5. Pay the service charge (Rs. 2,500-3,500)

Step 7: Passport Collection

Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the VFS center, or opt for courier delivery.

For Umrah Visa

Step 1: Choose Travel Method

Two options:

• Option A: Apply online via KSA Visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) — same as tourist e-visa, valid for Umrah
• Option B: Book through an authorized Umrah tour operator who handles the visa process

Step 2: Online Application (Option A)

Follow the same 5-minute e-visa process as the tourist visa. The tourist e-visa explicitly permits Umrah.

Step 3: Package Booking (Option B)

If using an agent, provide passport copies, photographs, and vaccination certificates. The agent handles the rest.

Step 4: Vaccination Requirements

Ensure you have taken the Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine at least 10 days before departure. Carry the vaccination certificate.

For work, business, and family visa applications that require physical submission:

Note: Tourist e-visa and Visa on Arrival processes do NOT require visiting any VFS center. Only work, business, and family visit visas that need passport stamping go through VFS Tasheer.

Apply well in advance for work and Hajj visas. Tourist e-visa applications can be made as little as 24 hours before travel.

Important for work visa holders: After arrival in Saudi Arabia, you will provide additional biometrics (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) registration center. This data is linked to your Iqama and Absher account. Your fingerprints are checked at Saudi immigration portals for entry/exit tracking.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

The Saudi tourist e-visa does not require proof of funds at the application stage. However, immigration officers at Saudi airports may ask about your financial capacity:

Minimum Financial Threshold (Practical Guidance)

Note for work visa applicants: Your Saudi employer must pay a minimum salary threshold set by the Ministry of Human Resources for visa eligibility. As of 2026, the minimum is approximately SAR 3,000-5,000 per month depending on the profession and skill level. Your employment contract must clearly state your salary, accommodation, and transportation benefits.

Regional Financial Differences for Indian Applicants

Tourist E-visa Tips

• Apply at least 24 hours before travel, but same-day applications have been reported to work
• Ensure your name on the visa application matches your passport exactly — one letter difference can cause rejection at immigration
• The 4x6 cm photo is non-negotiable. Do not upload a standard passport photo — get a Saudi-specific photo taken
• Save a PDF copy of your visa on your phone. Most Saudi immigration officers accept digital copies, but having a printout is safer
• Your e-visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue, not from date of first entry. If you apply today but travel in 6 months, you lose 6 months of validity
• The tourist e-visa also covers Umrah — you do not need a separate Umrah visa

Umrah Visit Tips

• Book your Nusuk appointment (for Umrah permit) as soon as you book your flights — slots during Ramadan fill up within hours
• Carry your vaccination certificate (meningitis ACWY) at all times during travel — it may be checked at airport departure, in Saudi immigration, and at the Haram entrance
• The Safa and Marwa area inside the Grand Mosque has wheelchair services for elderly pilgrims — book these through Nusuk in advance
• Zamzam water (5-liter bottles) is available for purchase at the airport for SAR 10-15 — do not buy them on the street for inflated prices
• Use the Haramain High-Speed Railway between Mecca and Madinah (SAR 100-150). It is comfortable and faster than taxis
• Women over 18 do not need a mahram for Umrah in 2026 — this policy is now fully enforced by Saudi authorities

Work Visa Tips

• Start document attestation at least 6 weeks before you expect to travel — MEA and Saudi Embassy queue times vary
• Get the medical examination done at the approved center closest to you — Apollo, Max, and Metropolis are authorized in most Indian cities
• Do not travel to Saudi on a visit visa and try to switch to a work visa — it is not allowed and will result in deportation
• Understand the Kafala system before you sign your contract. Research your employer's reputation with other Indian workers
• Your passport will likely be held by your employer (illegal in principle but widespread in practice). Negotiate this upfront
• Register on Absher as soon as your Iqama is issued — you will need it for everything from renewing your Iqama to reporting absences
• Keep copies of your passport, visa, and Iqama stored separately from the originals
• Your education certificates must be attested even if you have been working for 20 years — this is non-negotiable

Common Rejection Reasons

Approval Rates

What to Do If Rejected

1. Tourist e-visa rejection: Reapply after addressing the rejection reason. Common reasons include photo issues or passport data mismatch. If your payment went through but the visa was not issued, contact the KSA Visa support team
2. Work visa rejection: Usually related to medical test results or attestation issues. Work with your employer to address the specific reason. Certain medical conditions have appeal pathways through the Saudi Ministry of Health
3. Hajj visa: If you miss the state quota, apply through a Private Hajj Group Operator. If rejected for health reasons, get the required treatment and reapply the following year

Once your Saudi visa is approved and you land in the Kingdom, knowing what to do next is essential for a smooth experience.

For Tourist/Umrah E-visa Holders (Short Stay)

No registration is required for tourist/e-visa holders. However:

• Download Tawakkalna: The official app for accessing public spaces. Register with your passport number and visa information. Required for entry to malls, government buildings, and some restaurants
• Download Nusuk: Essential for Umrah pilgrims to book permits for the Grand Mosque
• SIM Card: Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport arrivals hall. STC, Mobily, and Zain offer tourist SIMs:
• STC Tourist SIM: SAR 50 (30GB data, valid 30 days)
• Mobily Visitor SIM: SAR 45 (20GB data, valid 30 days)
• Zain Tourist SIM: SAR 55 (40GB data, valid 30 days)
• Required: Passport and visa for registration. Aadhaar card is not accepted
• Transportation: Uber and Careem work throughout Saudi cities. The Riyadh Metro (opened 2024) covers major business and tourist areas. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City
• Cash and Cards: Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. ATMs dispense SAR. Carry some cash for smaller shops and taxis
• Dress Code for Tourists:
• Women: Abaya not mandatory. Modest dress (loose clothing covering shoulders and knees). Dupatta or scarf recommended for entering mosques
• Men: Trousers and shirts (not shorts in public). Long pants and covered shoulders inside mosques
• Prayer Times: Businesses close for 15-30 minutes during the five daily prayers. Restaurant delivery services pause during prayer times. Plan your shopping and meals around prayer schedules

For Work Visa Holders (Long Stay)

If you are moving to Saudi Arabia for employment, follow this post-arrival checklist:

1. Iqama (Residence ID) Registration

Your employer must process your Iqama within 90 days of arrival:

• Medical screening at a Saudi-approved health center (blood tests, chest X-ray)
• Biometric enrollment at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) office
• Iqama card is issued (physical ID card with your residence details)
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks after arrival

2. Absher Registration

Absher is the national e-services platform for residents:

• Register online at https://www.absher.sa
• Use your Iqama number for registration
• Mobile number registration required
• Absher allows you to: renew Iqama, report absences, manage family visas, check traffic violations, access MOI services
• Must be done: Immediately after receiving Iqama

3. SIM Card (Postpaid)

With an Iqama, you can get a postpaid connection:

• STC, Mobily, Zain all offer postpaid plans
• Plans start from SAR 100-200/month (data + minutes)
• Home broadband (STC Fiber) is excellent quality, speeds up to 500 Mbps
• Required: Iqama + passport

4. Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia is straightforward with an Iqama:

• Major banks: Al Rajhi Bank, NCB (National Commercial Bank), Samba, Riyad Bank, Saudi British Bank (SABB)
• Required documents: Iqama, passport, employer letter, proof of address in Saudi
• Most employers require salary to be deposited into a Saudi bank account
• Online banking and mobile apps are excellent — Al Rajhi's app is one of the best in the region
• International transfers to India: SAR 20-30 per transfer; funds reach Indian accounts in 1-3 working days

5. Driving License

Converting your Indian driving license:

• If you hold a valid Indian driving license, you can apply for a Saudi license without a driving test
• Required: Valid Indian license, Iqama, passport, medical certificate (eye test), SAR 200-400 fee
• Process: Visit the traffic department (Muroor) or an approved driving school
• Motorcycle licenses require a practical test even with an Indian license
• Note: Indian license must be in English or accompanied by an official Arabic translation

6. Health Insurance

• Your employer is legally required to provide health insurance (mandatory since 2018)
• Coverage includes hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency services
• Family members on your sponsorship also receive coverage
• Top-up insurance for dental, optical, or premium hospital access costs SAR 1,000-3,000/year extra

Cultural and Religious Sensitivity Tips

Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country with specific cultural norms that all visitors must respect:

Prayer times (five daily):

• Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), Isha (night)
• Businesses, shops, and restaurants close for 15-30 minutes during each prayer
• Some restaurants serve food during prayer times inside, but the main door is locked
• Supermarkets remain open but checkout counters close briefly
• Friday prayers (12:30-1:30 PM) are the longest closure period

Ramadan rules:

• Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited and can result in fines
• Hotels serve meals to non-Muslim guests in designated areas behind curtains
• The workplace has reduced hours (typically 6 hours instead of 8)
• Iftar (breaking of fast at sunset) is a festive time — many hotels offer lavish buffet dinners
• Nightlife (shopping, dining) extends until 2-3 AM during Ramadan

Gender segregation:

• Officially relaxed since 2019, but some venues still practice segregation
• Restaurants often have a "singles" section (men) and "family" section (families and women)
• Government buildings typically have separate entrances for men and women
• Public events, concerts, and cinemas are now mixed-gender
• Women can drive, work, travel, and enter government buildings without a male guardian

Dress code:

• Both men and women should avoid tight or revealing clothing
• Women: Cover shoulders and knees; a dupatta or shawl is useful for entering mosques
• Men: Long trousers preferred in public; shorts acceptable at beaches and resorts
• Swimwear: Permitted at hotel pools and Red Sea beaches (private areas)
• Removing footwear before entering mosques

Public behavior:

• Public displays of affection are frowned upon (hand-holding for married couples is acceptable)
• Photography: Do not photograph Saudi women or government buildings. Ask permission before photographing locals
• Alcohol: Completely banned. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and deportation
• Pork: Not available in Saudi Arabia
• Narcotics: Extremely severe penalties including death sentence
• Criticism of Islam, the King, or the government is illegal

Weekend: Thursday-Friday in Saudi Arabia (some companies include Saturday as well). Friday is the holy day. Government offices and many businesses close on Friday.