By Toi World Desk

Copyright indiatimes

With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aiming to welcome over 100 million international tourists, the Kingdom has opened its borders wider than ever before. For Indian travelers, this translates to simplified visa processes and broader travel opportunities, whether it’s for tourism, business, religious pilgrimage, or visiting family. This detailed guide covers every aspect of getting a Saudi visa as an Indian citizen, including eligibility, types of visas, application methods, fees, and more.Visa requirements and travel insurance Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia, regardless of their travel purpose. Whether the visit is for tourism, business, employment, education, or family, a visa is mandatory. Applications must be submitted through Saudi embassies, consulates, or authorized visa application centers in India.Availability of e-Visa Saudi Arabia offers an e-visa facility to Indian citizens as part of its extended tourism outreach. The e-visa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits a stay of up to 90 days per visit. It can be used for tourism, attending events, family visits, leisure travel, and for performing Umrah (note: it does not cover Hajj).Visa on Arrival for certain travellers Indian travelers may also be eligible for a visa on arrival, but this is limited to those who already possess a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. To qualify, travelers must arrive in Saudi Arabia via a Saudi national carrier.Mandatory travel insurance Travel insurance is a compulsory requirement for all travelers entering Saudi Arabia. The insurance policy must include coverage for: Emergency medical treatment Medical evacuation Trip cancellations or interruptions Lost or delayed baggage Other unforeseen travel-related incidents This insurance must be valid for the entire duration of stay and is a standard condition for visa issuance.Types of Saudi Visas for Indians Indian citizens can apply for a range of Saudi visa types based on their visit purpose. Below is a summary of each major visa type:Visa TypeValidityEntriesStay LimitPurposeTourist Visa1 yearMultipleUp to 90 days per visitTourism and leisureBusiness Visa90 daysSingle/MultipleUp to 90 days per visitBusiness-related activitiesFamily Visit VisaLong/Short termSingleNot for employmentVisiting immediate familyStudent VisaAs per study programSingleDuration of educationHigher educationTransit Visa60 daysSingleMax 72 hoursPassing through Saudi ArabiaHajj VisaDuring Hajj seasonSingleAs per Hajj scheduleReligious pilgrimage (Hajj only)Umrah VisaDuring Umrah seasonSingleAs per Umrah scheduleUmrah pilgrimage to MakkahEligibility, required documents, and application process Eligibility criteria for Indian citizens: To be eligible for any Saudi visa, Indian applicants must meet the following: Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond intended entry date Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by a guardian Have health insurance valid in Saudi Arabia Submit supporting documents relevant to the type of visa, such as invitation letters or covering letters for business visits Mandatory documents for Visa application: Here is a checklist of commonly required documents: Passport: Original with 6 months minimum validity Photographs: Two recent color photos, white background, 35mm x 45mm, 85% face visibility, no glasses Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed Health Insurance Copy: Must be valid in Saudi Arabia Medical Fitness Certificate: Issued by an embassy-authorized medical practitioner Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking or residential address in Saudi Arabia How to apply for a Saudi Visa online:Visit MOFA Portal: Go to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) websiteCreate an Account: Register using your email and personal detailsSelect Visa Type: Choose the correct visa from the 16 types listed (e.g., tourist, student, family visit, business, Hajj, etc.)Fill Application: Provide accurate personal, travel, and passport detailsPay Visa Fee: Make the online payment and download the completed applicationSubmit Documents: Print the application and submit it, along with all required documents, at the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy or consulate in IndiaEligibility criteria and required documents for a Saudi visa may vary depending on the specific visa type. The details provided here reflect general requirements applicable to most cases. Applicants must refer to the official Saudi MOFA website (https://visa.mofa.gov.sa) or the Indian Embassy websites in Riyadh or Jeddah for visa-specific updates and exact documentation guidelines. Offline Application Centers in India: Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – New Delhi Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Mumbai Applicants can collect, complete, and submit forms directly at either of these locations with all required documents and fees.Fees, processing time, and Visa extensions Visa fee structure for Indian applicants (as of June 26, 2024):Visa TypeFee (USD)Fee (INR)Fee (Saudi Riyal – SR)Normal Entry Tourist201.76₹16,863.55SR 756.91Single Entry Work220.09₹18,395.62SR 825.67Single Entry Business195.63₹16,351.20SR 733.91Single Entry Tourist195.63₹16,351.20SR 733.91Note: Fee amounts in USD and INR are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.Processing time: Saudi Arabia visa processing for Indians typically takes 4 to 5 working days, but can extend to up to 3 weeks depending on the visa category and document verification process.Saudi Visa extensions for Indian travellersSaudi Arabia allows visa extensions, depending on the category of the original visa issued. Travelers who require more time beyond their initial approved stay can request an extension, subject to eligibility.Who can apply for an extension? Extensions are generally available to: Tourists needing additional time for travel or leisure Business travelers with ongoing professional commitments Expatriates facing unforeseen personal or administrative delays Duration beyond 90 Days With a successful extension, the total permitted stay in Saudi Arabia can exceed the standard 90-day limit, offering flexibility to those with valid reasons for prolonging their visit.Whether you’re planning to perform Umrah, explore Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourist landscape, or attend business meetings in Riyadh, securing the right visa is essential. With simplified e-visa options and access to visa on arrival (for some), Indian travelers now have greater flexibility. Just ensure your passport, documents, and health insurance are in order—and apply through the official channels for a smooth experience.Disclaimer:The information provided here is intended for general guidance on the Saudi visa application process and does not constitute official requirements or legal advice. For detailed, category-specific information, applicants must consult official sources such as the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://visa.mofa.gov.sa) and Indian Embassy websites in Riyadh or the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.