Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

A Saudi Arabian visa is a mandatory endorsement you require, to enter the country. Unless you belong to the list of visa-exempt countries for Saudi Arabia, you require a valid visa along with your passport. Whatever the purpose of the visit, the visa is essential. The visas are categorized into various types based on the nature of the visit, and the duration and number of entries of the visa depend on them. 

The process of getting a Saudi visa for Indians is fairly straightforward. Based on the type of visa required, there are different processes. For visa application information on Saudi Arabia, the general steps are as below -

1. The first step involves finding out the type of visa you require, and if you are eligible for it.
2. You must then collect the necessary documents as per the Saudi Arabia visa requirement for Indian citizens.
3. Visit the website of the Saudi Arabia MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and create an account for visa application.
4. Fill in the details on the form.
5. Pay the visa fee online and download the form with the MOFA number/reference number.
6. Attach your visa documents with the form.
7. Send the application to the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy through a registered agent.

The Saudi government is extremely strict regarding the visa applications, and as a result, you have to complete the process accurately and genuinely. Any mistakes may cause in your visa rejection or delay. A rejected visa is not something you would want in your history as this may cause a lot of problems in the future visa applications.

There are several types of visa which permits you to visit Saudi Arabia. However, the main common types are - 

• Saudi Tourist Visa - This category is issued for people travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in tourism. Although since it has been only recently introduced, only 49 countries can apply online. The rest will have to apply offline.
• Saudi Business Visa -The Saudi Arabia business visa is issued as a short term visit, for an individual whose sole purpose is to take part in business endeavours in the country. This can include taking part in business meetings, sales representatives, enquiring about potential business prospects, etc. The visa is normally issued for a period of up to 3 months. However, depending on a single entry, or multiple entries, it might also be issued for 6 months.
• Saudi Visit Visa - This visa is issued if the individual is visiting to meet a first-degree family member. For this, you will need an invitation letter from your family member in Saudi, as well as a few other documents. Similar to the other short stay visa, this is also issued for a duration of 3 months. However, the validity is 6 months.
• Saudi Arabia Work Visa - For people visiting the country for the purpose of work for a short duration, a work permit is issued. Unlike the work permit, the work visa only has a limited time. Keep in mind that you can only do non-commercial work while you are on this. 
• Religious tourism visa - Also known as the Hajj/Umrah visa, these visas are only for the religious pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.

Note: Indian nationals are not eligible to apply for the tourist visa as of now. The only mode of tourism allowed for Indians is religious tourism. However, the ministry is gearing up to introduce the Saudi tourist visa for Indians in the near future.

Although the exact documentation required to vary depending on the type of permit, the general set of documents required for Saudi Arabia visa all types are as follows - 

• A valid passport with 2 blank pages, and valid up to 6 months from the date of intended travel
• The visa application form duly signed and filled
• 2 Photos with white background 
• A covering letter

As per the Saudi visa information, these are the set of regulations for the photo - 

• 2 identical passport size photos
• Taken within the last 3 months
• Coloured, with a white background
• Saudi visa photo size - 35mm X 45mm
• Face coverage - 85%
• Neutral expression
• Head position - centered
• Eyeglasses -not permitted
• Headwear - permitted only in religious cases

The fees for the Saudi visa depends on the type of visa, and the country you are applying from. It also depends on the visa duration. The Saudi visa fees, however, has to be paid online and not in cash at the embassy.

The applications for the Saudi Arabia visa for Indian nationals have to be made directly at the embassy, except in the case of Hajj/Umrah visa which requires designated Hajj agencies. For all other Saudi visas, the applications have to be filled online, and the documents along with the application form and documents. The applications can be submitted to either the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi or at the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai by a registered agent. Saudi embassy insists that you submit the application via an agency.

The Saudi visa is generally processed fast. For a good application, it can be processed in about 4-5 days. However, in cases which involve other factors or complications, these can take longer up to 3 weeks.