Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians For Indian Passport Holders

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists and eased visa processes for various purposes, including business, work, and family visits. Indians can now apply for different types of visas based on their travel purpose. Understanding the requirements and process is crucial for a smooth application experience.

• Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
  
  
• Business Visa
  
  
• Work Visa (Iqama)
  
  
• Family Visit Visa
  
  
• Transit Visa
  
  
• Umrah Visa (for pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina)
  
  
• Student Visa (for education in Saudi Arabia)

• Valid Indian Passport: At least 6 months' validity from the intended travel date.
  
  
• Completed Application Form: Available on the Saudi Arabian embassy/consulate website or through authorized visa application centers.
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos: Usually 2, with specific dimensions (4x6 cm, white background, recent).
  
  
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Arrangements: May be required for some visa types.
  
  
• Health Insurance: Often mandatory, covering the entire stay in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
• Payment for Visa Fee: Through authorized payment channels.

Photo Size and Dimensions:

• 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.
  
  

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

• 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:

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

• 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.
  
  

• 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).
  
  

• 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:

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

a. Tourist Visa (e-Visa)

• Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, or for recreational purposes.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Proof of hotel booking or sponsorship.
• Payment for the e-Visa fee (approximately SAR 440 / INR 8,800, including a health insurance fee).
• Valid email address for e-Visa delivery.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 90 days, with a possibility of extension.
  
  
• Application Process: Online through Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism website.
  
  

b. Business Visa

• Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or establishing business relationships.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Invitation letter from a Saudi Arabian company.
• Letter from the Indian company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Business registration documents of both companies.
• Proof of financial solvency.
  
  
• Validity: Typically up to 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the invitation.
  
  
• Application Process: Through the Saudi Arabian Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates in Mumbai or Hyderabad, or authorized visa application centers.
  
  

c. Work Visa (Iqama)

• Purpose: Employment in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Job offer letter from a Saudi Arabian employer.
• Attested educational certificates and experience documents by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.
• Medical certificate from an approved medical center in India.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India and the MEA attestation.
  
  
• Validity: Typically 1-2 years, renewable based on employment contract.
  
  
• Application Process: Employer in Saudi Arabia must apply for a work permit, then the employee applies for the visa through the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in India.
  
  

d. Family Visit Visa

• Purpose: Visiting first-degree relatives (parents, spouse, children) in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Sponsorship letter and a copy of the sponsor's ID (Iqama).
• Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate, attested by the MEA and the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India).
• Medical insurance.
  
  
• Validity: Up to 90 days (single-entry), with a possibility of extension.
  
  
• Application Process: Through the Saudi Arabian Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates in Mumbai or Hyderabad, or authorized visa application centers.
  
  

e. Transit Visa

• Purpose: Passing through Saudi Arabia to another country.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Confirmed onward ticket to the destination country.
• Visa for the next destination (if required).
  
  
• Validity: Typically up to 48 hours (can vary).
  
• Application Process: Usually issued upon arrival or through the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in India if required in advance.
  
  

f. Umrah Visa

• Purpose: Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Specific Umrah application form.
• Recent passport-sized photos.
• Proof of vaccination (Meningitis).
• Confirmed flight itinerary.
• Hotel booking in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
• Validity: Typically during the Umrah season, with specific entry and exit dates.
  
  
• Application Process: Through authorized Umrah tour operators or the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in India.
  
  

g. Student Visa

• Purpose: Education in a Saudi Arabian institution.
  
  
• Requirements:
  
  
• Admission letter from a Saudi Arabian educational institution.
• Attested educational certificates by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in India and the MEA.
• Proof of financial support.
• Medical certificate.
  
  
• Validity: Typically for the duration of the study program.
  
  
• Application Process: Through the Saudi Arabian Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates in Mumbai or Hyderabad, after securing admission.

• Determine Your Visa Type: Based on the purpose of your visit.
  
  
  
• Gather Required Documents: Ensure all documents meet the specifications.
  
  
  
• Fill Out the Application Form:
  
  
• Online for e-Visa: Through the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism website.
  
  
• Other Visas: Download from the embassy/consulate website or obtain from authorized application centers.
  
  
• Submit Your Application:
  
  
• e-Visa: Online.
• Other Visas: In person at the embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application centers.
  
  
  
• Pay the Visa Fee: According to the visa type, through specified payment channels.
  
  
  
• Wait for the Visa to be Processed: Check the application status online or through the application center.
  
  
  
• Collect Your Visa:
  
  
• e-Visa: Received via email.
• Other Visas: Collected from the submission point or mailed to the applicant.

Note: Fees and processing times are subject to change. Always check with official sources for the latest information.

• Check the Latest Travel Advisories: Before planning your trip.
  
  
  
• Vaccination Requirements: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination might be mandatory.
  
  
  
• PCR Tests: May be required before departure and upon arrival.
  
  
  
• Quarantine Measures: Could be in place; check the current protocols.

• Apply in Advance: Especially for non-e-Visa types to ensure timely processing.
  
  
  
• Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are accurate and meet the requirements.
  
  
  
• Health and Travel Insurance: Crucial for unexpected medical or travel-related issues.
  
  
  
• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with Saudi Arabian culture and regulations.

• Saudi Arabian Embassy in New Delhi:
  
  

• Website: https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/india/EN/Pages/home.aspx
• Phone: +91-11-26144102
  
  

• Saudi Arabian Consulates in India (Mumbai, Hyderabad):
  
  

• Websites: Refer to the embassy website for consulate links
• Phones: Available on the respective consulate websites
  
  

• Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism (for e-Visa):
  
  

• Website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
  
  

• VFS Global (for visa application centers in India):
  
  

• Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/
• Phone: Available on the VFS Global website
  
  

• Indian Embassy/Consulates in Saudi Arabia (for Indians in Saudi):
  
  

• Website: https://www.eoiri.gov.in/ (Select Saudi Arabia for embassy/consulate details)

• Express Visa Services: Available for an additional fee, reducing processing time.
  
  
  
• Visa Application Centers: Offer convenience but may charge service fees.
  
  
  
• Travel Agencies: Can assist with the application process for a fee.
  
  
  
• Medical and Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for all travelers.
  
  
• Flight Booking and Hotel Reservations: May be required as part of the visa application.

• Double-Check Visa Details: Ensure name, dates, and purpose are correct.
  
  
• Flight Bookings: Confirm or book your flights to Saudi Arabia.
  
  
• Accommodation Arrangements: Finalize your hotel or residence booking.
  
  
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
  
  
• Health and Vaccination Requirements: Fulfill any mandatory health checks or vaccinations.
  
  
• Inform Your Bank: Notify your bank of international transactions to avoid account restrictions.
  
  
• Local SIM Card or International Roaming: Arrange for communication during your stay.
  
  
• Cultural Orientation: Brief yourself on Saudi Arabian customs and laws.

• Immigration Check: Present your passport and visa.
  
  
• Customs Declaration: Declare goods as per Saudi Arabian customs regulations.
  
  
• Transport to Your Destination: Use licensed taxis, Uber, or pre-arranged pickups.
  
  
• Register with the Indian Embassy (Recommended): For emergency contact purposes.

Need more clarity on the Saudi Arabia visa? Check out helpful resources below

Saudi Arabia Visa Requirement

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Requirement

Saudi Arabia Business Visa Requirement

Saudi Arabia Visit Visa Requirement

Saudi Arabia Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection