Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Yes, Indians need a visa to go to Saudi Arabia. Whether for tourism, business, work, or family visits, Indian citizens must get a visa before travelling. 

To get a visa, they need to apply through the Saudi embassy, consulate, or authorized visa centres in India. This involves filling out forms, providing documents, paying fees, and waiting for approval. 

It's important to check visa requirements before planning a trip to Saudi Arabia to avoid any visa rejection problems.

The country offers several types of visas, each catering to different needs, whether for business, tourism, employment, or religious purposes.

Understanding the various Saudi visa types and their specific requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful application process.

With over 2.6 million Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia, it is important for prospective visitors to be well-versed in the visa options available to them.

1. Hajj and Umrah Visa

Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are a significant reason for Indian travellers to visit Saudi Arabia. In 2023, over 200,000 Indian pilgrims participated in Hajj, making India one of the largest Muslim pilgrim contributors globally. The Umrah visa, unlike the Hajj visa, is available year-round.

• Hajj Visa: Available to Muslims around the world for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj takes place during a specific Islamic month (Dhul-Hijjah), and the visa is typically valid for 30 days.
• Umrah Visa: Available for pilgrims who want to perform Umrah, which can be done anytime except during the Hajj season. The visa is usually valid for up to 90 days.

Key Stats for 2023:

• 300,000 Umrah pilgrims from India.
• The Kingdom received over 1.8 million Hajj pilgrims globally in 2023.

2. Tourist Visa (eVisa and Visa on Arrival)

Introduced in 2019, Saudi Arabia’s eVisa program has revolutionized the ease with which Indian travelers can visit the Kingdom for tourism purposes. The eVisa is available for a wide range of nationalities, including India, and is valid for one year, allowing multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days at a time.

• eVisa Cost: Approximately SAR 300 (INR 6,500), excluding VAT.
• Eligibility: Indian passport holders can apply for the eVisa or get a visa on arrival if they hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa.

Since the launch, Saudi Arabia has issued over 10 million eVisas, with Indian tourists forming a significant portion.

Key Facts:

• Indian tourists contributed to over 50,000 Saudi eVisa applications in 2022.
• Average stay duration for Indian tourists: 10-15 days.

3. Work Visa

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest employment hubs for Indians, with over 2.6 million Indian expatriates currently living in the country. A work visa is required for individuals planning to take up employment in Saudi Arabia. The work visa process can take 2-3 months, and it requires a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer.

• Validity: Typically issued for one to two years.
• Key Requirements: A valid work contract, a medical examination, and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
• Sponsorship: Employers in Saudi Arabia sponsor the visa, and they also handle the required documents and fees.

Workforce Data:

• Over 60% of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia are employed in construction and the service industry.
• The average monthly wage for Indian workers ranges between SAR 1,500 - 3,000 (INR 32,500 - 65,000) depending on the industry.

4. Business Visa

For Indian businesspeople looking to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing economy, the business visa is an ideal option. It allows short-term visits for meetings, conferences, or business transactions. The visa is typically issued for a period of 3 months to 1 year and permits multiple entries.

• Validity: Up to 1 year with stays of 30 to 90 days per visit.
• Cost: SAR 300 (INR 6,500).
• Key Requirements: An invitation from a Saudi-based company is mandatory.

In 2022, India was among Saudi Arabia’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $42 billion. This has led to an increase in the number of Indian professionals traveling to the Kingdom on business visas.

5. Family Visit Visa

Indian expatriates living in Saudi Arabia can sponsor their immediate family members for a family visit visa. This visa allows the sponsored family members to stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days, with an option to extend the visa up to 6 months.

• Cost: SAR 300 (INR 6,500).
• Key Requirement: Sponsorship by a resident in Saudi Arabia, typically a spouse or parent.

There are over 1.5 million Indian families residing in Saudi Arabia, making the family visit visa one of the most frequently issued visas for Indian nationals.

6. Student Visa

While not as common as work or tourist visas, the Saudi student visa is an option for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia offers scholarships to students from over 160 countries, including India, to study in their universities.

• Duration: Valid for the duration of the course, typically 4-5 years for undergraduate programs.
• Key Requirements: Acceptance from a Saudi university and proof of financial capability or scholarship.

In 2023, Saudi universities enrolled over 500 Indian students in various fields such as medicine, engineering, and Islamic studies.

Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of visa options tailored to specific needs, from religious pilgrimages to business, tourism, and employment opportunities.

With over 2.5 million Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia, and thousands more traveling annually for work or religious reasons, it’s essential to understand the correct visa application process.

Saudi Arabia issues several types of visas, each with specific requirements, making the process slightly different based on your reason for travel.

In 2022 alone, approximately 600,000 visas were issued to Indian nationals for various purposes, and this number continues to rise as Saudi-India relations strengthen.

1. Types of Saudi Visas for Indian Citizens

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visas, depending on the nature of your visit. Common visa categories include:

• Tourist Visa: Allows for tourism, cultural events, or leisure travel. In 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors for tourism, issuing more than 500,000 tourist visas worldwide, with India as a significant contributor.

• Business Visa: If you're traveling for business purposes such as attending meetings or conferences.

• Hajj and Umrah Visas: Special pilgrimage visas for religious travelers, typically granted for 30 days. Around 200,000 Indians travel annually to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

• Work Visa (Iqama): Issued to Indian nationals employed by a Saudi company. Currently, there are around 2.2 million Indians working in Saudi Arabia.

• Student Visa: For Indians looking to study in Saudi Arabia, though this is relatively rare.

2. Visa Application Process

The process to apply for a Saudi visa from India is streamlined but requires accuracy in documentation. Here's a step-by-step guide:

A. Apply Online or at a Reliable visa Agent:

• Tourist visas can be applied for online through the Saudi E-Visa portal or reliable visa agents like BTWvisas.
• For business, work, or student visas, it's mandatory to go through Saudi Arabia's authorized visa service provider, VFS Global in India. There are 14 VFS centres located in major cities across India, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

B. Documentation Required:

Here are the typical documents needed for a Saudi visa application:

1. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned travel date. About 93% of Indian travelers face delays due to passport validity issues.

2. Visa Application Form: Filled accurately on the official Saudi visa portal or through a VFS Tasheel center.

3. Photographs: Passport-sized, following Saudi visa photo guidelines.

4. Flight Itinerary & Accommodation Proof: For tourist and business visas, confirmed flight and hotel bookings are essential.

5. Invitation Letter (if applicable): Business or work visa applicants must provide an invitation or contract from a Saudi company.

6. Travel Insurance: Since 2021, travel insurance has been a mandatory requirement, covering potential medical expenses. Insurance must cover a minimum of SAR 100,000 (approx. ₹20 lakh).

7. Medical Certificate (for work visas): A medical test report is mandatory, including tests for conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.

C. Biometrics and Interview (if required):

At the VFS center, you will need to submit biometric data (fingerprints and a photo). In some cases, an interview at the Saudi Embassy might be necessary. Saudi Arabia began biometric collection in 2018 for visa applicants, streamlining the security process.

3. Visa Fees and Processing Times

• Tourist Visa Fees: The tourist visa fee for Indians is approximately SAR 300 (₹6,700), plus processing fees and VAT.

• Business Visa Fees: Varies based on duration, typically around SAR 400 (₹8,900).

• Hajj/Umrah Visa Fees: These visas are usually free, though service charges are applicable while applying through visa agents.

• Work Visa Fees: The employer usually bears this cost, and it ranges from SAR 300 to 500 (₹6,700 to ₹11,200), plus other service fees.

• Processing Time: Processing typically takes around 4 to 7 working days. However, Hajj visas are usually processed faster, within 48-72 hours.

4. Common Mistakes and Tips

• Ensure Valid Passport: Nearly 1 in 10 Indian applicants face rejection due to issues with passport validity.

• Double-check the Documents: Always verify that you have all necessary documents, as missing paperwork is a leading cause of delays.

• Plan Ahead: Processing times can vary, especially around the Hajj season. It’s recommended to apply at least 3 weeks in advance for tourist or business visas.

• Follow-Up: Use the VFS Global tracking service to follow up on your application status.

5. Saudi-India Relations and Visa Policies

India and Saudi Arabia share strong bilateral relations, with over $30 billion in annual trade.

Visa policies have been relaxed for Indians in recent years, making it easier to apply for tourist and business visas.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia introduced a 96-hour transit visa for travellers, giving Indians the option to explore Saudi Arabia during layovers.

Photo Size and Dimensions:

1. Photo Dimensions:
   The required dimensions for a Saudi visa photo are 200 x 200 pixels minimum and should not exceed 300 x 300 pixels. In centimeters, this translates to a 2-inch x 2-inch photograph, which is equivalent to 51 mm x 51 mm.

2. Resolution:
   The photo must have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure clarity. Lower-resolution images are automatically rejected.

3. Photo Format:
   The photo should be uploaded or submitted in JPEG format. Any other formats like PNG, BMP, or GIF are not accepted by the Saudi visa system.

Facial and Background Requirements:

4. Background Color:
   The background of the photo must be plain white without any shadows. Saudi authorities reject photos with patterns or colored backgrounds.

5. Head Size:
   The applicant's head, from the chin to the top, must occupy 70-80% of the photograph, ensuring a close-up of the face.

6. Face and Posture:
   The face must be fully visible, looking straight at the camera, with eyes open, and no tilts or angles allowed. The expression must be neutral (smiling or frowning is not permitted).

7. Glasses and Headwear:
   Prescription glasses are allowed, but sunglasses or any tinted eyewear are prohibited. Religious headgear is permitted, provided it does not cover the face.

Lighting and Photo Quality:

8. Lighting:
   Lighting should be uniform across the face, avoiding any shadows or reflections. Poor lighting is a common reason for rejection, with over 15% of applications facing delays due to this.

9. Sharpness and Clarity:
   The photo must be free from any pixelation, blurring, or noise. Over 20% of rejected visa applications are due to unclear or low-quality photographs.

Additional Key Facts:

10. Age of Photo:
    The visa photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months. Older photos or those with significant changes in appearance (e.g., hairstyle, beard) can result in rejection.

11. Children's Photos:
    For minors, the same size and format rules apply. Parents should ensure no hands or objects (like toys) are visible in the photo. According to data, 5-10% of rejected child visa applications are due to visible parental interference in the photograph.

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Over 30% of visa applications from India to Saudi Arabia face initial rejections due to incorrect photo sizes or formats.
• 25% of these rejections are due to photos that are not updated, meaning the applicant has submitted a photo older than the allowed 6-month window.
• 40% of photo-related rejections stem from non-compliance with the background and lighting rules.

Tips for Indian Applicants:

1. Visit a professional photo studio familiar with international visa requirements, especially those specializing in Middle Eastern visas.
2. Use an online tool to crop and adjust the photo to meet Saudi standards if applying digitally.
3. Always double-check your visa photo against Saudi embassy guidelines to avoid delays in processing.

The requirements for a Saudi Arabia visa for Indian citizens are the specific things you need to apply for a visa to go to Saudi Arabia. Here's what you need:

Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is good for at least six months from when you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.

Visa Application Form: Fill out the Saudi Arabia visa application form with your personal details.

Passport-Sized Photos: Get recent passport-sized photos taken with a plain white background.

Purpose of Visit Documents: Depending on why you're going to Saudi Arabia, you might need extra papers:

• For Tourism: Show proof of where you're staying and that you can pay for your trip.
• For Business: Have a letter from a Saudi company inviting you and explaining why you're coming.
• For Work: You'll need a valid job offer from a Saudi employer.
• For Family Visit: Prove your relationship with the person inviting you.

Money Proof: Show you have enough money to cover your expenses while you're in Saudi Arabia.

Health Check-Up: You might need a doctor's certificate to show you're healthy and not sick.

Travel Insurance: It's a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong during your trip.

Police Certificate: Sometimes, you need a certificate to prove you don't have a criminal record.

Visa Fees: Pay the visa fees when you apply for your visa.

By making sure you have all these things ready and filling out the forms correctly, you can apply for your Saudi Arabia visa and hopefully get approval to travel there.

Here's a simple explanation of the Saudi Arabia e-visa process for Indian citizens:

Visit the E-Visa Website: Go to the official website where you can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa.

Make an Account: Sign up for an account on the website by giving your name, email, and creating a password.

Choose Your Visa Type: Pick the type of visa you need based on why you're going to Saudi Arabia, like for tourism or business.

Fill in the Form: Fill out the online form with your details, like your name, passport info, and travel plans.

Upload Documents: Scan and upload your passport, a recent photo, and any other documents they ask for.

Pay Fees: Pay the visa fees online using the website's payment options.

Submit Your Application: Once everything's filled out and uploaded, submit your application.

Wait for Approval: Wait for them to process your application. It might take some time.

Get Your E-Visa: If your application is approved, they'll email you the e-visa. Print it out and take it with you when you travel to Saudi Arabia.

By following these steps, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa easily and get ready for your trip.

The Saudi Arabia visa fees for Indians vary based on the type of visa and how long you plan to stay:

Tourist Visa: It can cost between $60 to $150 for Indian citizens, depending on how long you'll be staying in Saudi Arabia.

Business Visa: If you're going for business, the fee might range from $100 to $250, depending on your visa's duration.

Work Visa: For those working in Saudi Arabia, the fees are usually higher, ranging from $200 to $500, based on the job contract length.

Family Visa: If you're visiting family in Saudi Arabia, fees can vary from $100 to $300, depending on your relationship with the sponsor.

Other Visas: There are special visas like transit visas, each with different fees. These fees may change, so it's best to check with the Saudi embassy or consulate.

Make sure to check the latest fees and how to pay before you apply for your visa. This way, you can avoid any issues and smoothly complete your application.

The time it takes to process a Saudi Arabian visa for Indian citizens can be different for each person. Usually, it takes about 4 to 8 business days for the visa to be ready. Here are some things to know

Here's a simplified explanation of the Saudi Arabia visa renewal process for Indian passport holders:

Check Expiry Date: Make sure to check when your visa is expiring. Start the renewal process early to avoid problems.

Get Employer's Help: If you're working in Saudi Arabia, your employer will likely help with the renewal process. They'll guide you and provide the necessary support.

Gather Documents: Collect required documents like your passport, residency permit (iqama), photos, and any other papers needed for renewal.

Submit Application: Your employer or a designated center will help you submit your renewal application. Make sure all documents are complete and accurate.

Medical Check: You might need to undergo a medical check, depending on your visa type and duration of stay.

Pay Fees: There are fees for renewal. Your employer usually handles this part.

Wait for Processing: Once you've submitted everything, you'll have to wait for the renewal to be processed. It can take some time.

Renew Iqama: Along with your visa, you also need to renew your residency permit (iqama).

Collect Renewed Documents: Once your renewal is approved, you can collect your renewed residency permit and updated visa documents.

Stay Legal: Make sure to follow all rules and regulations during the renewal process to maintain your legal status in Saudi Arabia.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can smoothly renew your visa and continue your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Here's a simplified guide to extending a visa for Saudi Arabia:

Login to Absher Platform: Sign in to the Absher platform using your credentials.

Select Passport Services: From the list of e-services, choose "Passport Services."

Choose Visit Visa Extension: Select the service option for "Visit Visa Extension."

Enter Information and Attachments: Fill in the necessary information and attach the required documents as per the visa extension requirements.

Pay the Fees: Complete the payment process for the visa extension fees.

Submit Your Application: After filling out the form and attaching the documents, submit your visa extension application.

*Prerequisites*

Here are the prerequisites for extending a visit visa in Saudi Arabia:

• Valid Visa with Short Expiry: The visa you want to extend must still be valid and have a remaining validity of one week or less.
• No Traffic Violations: Ensure that there are no traffic violations under your name.
• Present in the Kingdom: You must be physically present within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to apply for the visa extension.
• Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid and not expired.
• Payment of Extension Fees: You need to pay the necessary fees for the visa extension process

This process allows individuals to extend their visit visas through the Absher platform efficiently and conveniently.

Here are the reasons why Saudi visas might be rejected:

Missing or Wrong Documents: If you don't provide all the needed documents or make mistakes in them, your visa could be rejected.

Not Meeting the Rules: You need to follow certain rules to get a Saudi visa, like having a valid passport, a clean record, and good health. If you don't meet these, your application might be rejected.

Breaking Visa Rules Before: If you broke visa rules or stayed too long before, you might be rejected for a new visa. They take these things seriously.

Security Worries: If the government is worried about your background or thinks you might be a security risk, your visa might be rejected.

Incomplete or Suspicious Info: If the information you provide looks suspicious or isn't complete, your application might be rejected.

Bad Sponsorship: If the person or company sponsoring you is not valid or their details can't be checked, your visa might be rejected.

Too Many Applications: Sometimes, they might reject visas because they have too many or reached the limit. Even if you did everything right, you might be rejected.

Political Issues: If there are problems between your country and Saudi Arabia, your visa might be rejected because of that.

Remember to double-check everything and make sure your application is complete and accurate. If your visa is rejected, you might be able to appeal or try again after fixing the issues.