Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians

Indian travellers planning a trip to Saudi Arabia do require a visa, regardless of whether the purpose is tourism, pilgrimage, business or study. The Kingdom issues different categories of visas for Indians, including tourist e-Visas, business visas, pilgrimage permits (Umrah and Hajj), and embassy-issued visas. Each type has its own documentation and processing requirements.

Saudi Arabia is a destination of both spiritual and cultural significance. Millions of Indians visit each year, many travelling for Umrah and Hajj, while others explore the Kingdom’s modern cities and ancient landscapes. Riyadh, the capital, draws visitors for its futuristic skyline and cultural festivals, while Jeddah offers a gateway to the Red Sea coast and historic old towns. The heritage site of AlUla, with its rock formations and archaeological wonders, has also become a global attraction. With Saudi Arabia opening up more to international tourism, the number of Indian travellers continues to grow steadily.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia visas for Indians, from types and requirements to processing times and other related information.

Saudi Arabia Visa: All You Need to Know

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, whether it is for tourism, pilgrimage, business, work, or study. At present, there is no visa-free entry for Indians. The most common option is the tourist visa, which is available as an e-Visa or, in limited cases, as a visa on arrival. For a visa on arrival, you must already hold a valid and used US, UK, or Schengen visa and travel with a Saudi-based airline. Otherwise, applying online for an e-Visa is the simplest route.

The Saudi tourist e-Visa allows multiple entries within a year and lets you stay up to 90 days per visit. Applications are processed online with a valid passport, photo, and fee payment, making it a quick option for Indian travellers. This visa is popular not just with leisure tourists but also with those planning short business visits or cultural trips across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla.

Apart from tourist visas, Saudi Arabia also issues Umrah and Hajj visas (through authorised agents), business visas (with an invitation from a Saudi company), student visas, and family visit visas. Each category has its own eligibility rules, documents, and processing time. In the sections below, we’ll walk you through these visa types, requirements, and tips to help you apply smoothly.

Saudi Arabia Visa Insights

In 2024, around 34.2 lakh Indians visited Saudi Arabia, making it India’s second most popular overseas destination after the UAE. This growing travel trend reflects stronger ties in work, study, pilgrimage, business and tourism.
The Kingdom experienced a remarkable surge in international tourism, from approximately 3.5 million visitors in 2021 to 27 million by 2023, with India emerging as a key source market.

Types of Saudi Arabia Visa

Saudi Arabia offers different visa categories for Indians based on travel purpose. Knowing the right one helps ensure a smooth application and entry into the Kingdom.

Saudi eVisa (Tourist Visa)

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Purpose: For tourism, leisure trips, or short family visits. This visa can also cover events or Umrah (excluding Hajj season).

Validity: Usually 1 year with multiple entries and up to 90 days per visit.

Processing Time: 24-72 hours online through the official portal.

What to Watch Out For: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Do not forget to carry a printout of the e-visa.

Saudi Work Visa

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Purpose: This visa is for Indians employed by a Saudi company. It requires a valid job offer and sponsorship.

Validity: Typically issued for 1–2 years and is linked to an employment contract.

Processing Time: 2-4 weeks via the Saudi Embassy.

What to Watch Out For: The Saudi employer handles most paperwork. Also, medical tests are mandatory.

Saudi Business Visa

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Purpose: This visa is specifically for attending business meetings, trade fairs or for investment visits.

Validity: Come with single or multiple entry options, each with a 30-90 day visit duration.

Processing Time: 5-10 working days.

What to Watch Out For: Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi company. Make sure you arrange it before applying.

Saudi Student Visa

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Purpose: This visa is for Indian students admitted to Saudi universities or academic programmes.

Validity: Based on course duration.

Processing Time: 2-6 weeks for the visa to be processed after receiving sponsorship from the institution.

What to Watch Out For: The Saudi Arabian university applies on the student’s behalf. Your documents must include admission and sponsorship letters.

Saudi Family Visit Visa

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Purpose: This visa is issued to Indians to visit family members legally residing in Saudi Arabia.

Validity: Issued in single or multiple entries and allows a stay for 30 to 180 days per visit.

Processing Time: 5-10 working days.

What to Watch Out For: This visa requires sponsorship and proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate). Collect them before applying.

Saudi Umrah & Hajj Visas

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Purpose: Religious pilgrimages. Issued only through authorised agents.

Validity: Valid for the duration of the pilgrimage. Umrah visas are typically valid for up to 30 days.

Processing Time: Usually processed in 5-10 working days.

What to Watch Out For: Strict seasonal timelines and packages often include travel and accommodation. It is better to book everything well in advance.

How to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa?

A Saudi Arabian visa application from India can be carried out both online and offline. If you are not very comfortable applying online, you may follow the steps required to apply for a visa offline and vice versa. Here’s what needs to be done for a successful visa application:

Online Visa Process for Saudi Arabia

Go to the official Saudi MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website and sign up to start your visa application
Select the visa that matches your travel purpose. Options include tourist, business, employment, student, Hajj, family visit, and more. The MOFA portal lists all 16 visa categories with their details.
Complete the online application with your personal details and pay the required visa fee. Once done, download and print the filled form.
Attach all the necessary documents (passport, photos, etc.) with the printed form and submit them to your nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy or consulate.

Offline Saudi Arabian Visa Process

First, determine which visa you need, such as tourist, work, business, or another type, based on your travel purpose.
Prepare your passport, photos, invitation letters (if needed), and other paperwork as per Saudi visa rules.
Tourist visas can be applied for online, but work and business visas must be submitted directly at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
The fee depends on your visa type and how quickly you want it processed.
Some applicants may be called for an interview at the embassy.
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive it either as an electronic document or stamped in your passport, and you’re ready to travel.

Note: Saudi Arabia has only one official e-visa portal managed by the Saudi government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). All visa applications must be submitted through this official platform or via authorised agents. For detailed and updated information on Saudi visa requirements for Indian citizens, visit the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi.

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Documents Required for a Saudi Arabia Visa

To apply for a Saudi Arabia visa from India, you will need to have a few documents handy. Here is a list of all the required documents necessary to apply:

General Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. Additionally, it must have at least 2 blank pages for further processing.

Passport-sized Photos: Recent photos with a white background, no glasses or headgear unless for religious reasons.

Travel & Financial Proof: Confirmed return flight tickets and proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, salary slips or ITR).

Visa Application: Completed visa application form (online or paper) and proof of fee payment.

Travel Insurance: Mandatory for tourist and Umrah visas, covering your entire stay in Saudi Arabia.

Additional Documents

For E-visas: Printed copy of your approved Saudi e-visa.

For Business Visas: Invitation letter from a registered Saudi company or business partner.

For Work Visas: Employment contract, medical fitness certificate and a letter of sponsorship from the Saudi employer.

For Umrah/Hajj Visas: Proof of pilgrimage package booking via an authorised travel agent.

For Student Visas: Admission and sponsorship letter from a recognised Saudi educational institution.

For Family Visit Visas: Proof of relationship and invitation from a Saudi resident sponsor.

Please Note: For the complete and updated list of documents, always check the official Saudi MOFA or the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi, website.

Saudi Arabia Visa Fees for Indians

When you plan a trip to Saudi Arabia, knowing the visa fees becomes a top priority, as it helps you to budget your whole trip accordingly. Here are the fees that you need to be aware of:

Visa Types	Visa Fees*
Tourist Visa	₹8,000 to ₹12,000 (Single-Entry)
Tourist Visa	₹14,000 to ₹20,000 (Multiple-Entry)
Work Visa	₹20,000 - ₹35,000
Business Visa	₹15,000 - ₹25,000
Umrah Visa	₹5,000 - ₹10,000

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Note: The prices mentioned above are dynamic in nature. Hence, check the official Saudi MOFA website before travel.

How to Track

How to Track Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians Visa Applications?

Anyone who is above 18 years of age, have completed education up to at least 10th Standard and has a valid Aadhaar card & PAN card. For instance, below are few categories who can be benefited the most.

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Visit Portal

Navigate to the official online E-Visa Portal for Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians Visa.

Enter Details

Enter details like your e-Visa code, email address and date of birth.

Provide Security Code

You should get a security code on the registered email-id. Type it in.

Search Application

Once done, you can click on the “Search” button on the screen.

View Status

The redirected screen will show your Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians e-Visa application status.

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Is There a Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians Visa Renewal or Extension for Indians?

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Is There a Vietnam Visa Renewal or Extension for Indians?

Visa Renewal/Extension

Check Your Visa Eligibility

Verify your eligibility based on the type of visa and the duration of your stay. Most visas including business and work visas are eligible for renewals and extensions. However, an e-Visa generally can't be renewed, so you'll need to apply for a new e-Visa.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required documents like your passport, form NA5 (application form for visa extension), bank statements and proof of accommodation (address of the place you're currently staying at). For business visas you will need to also present a sponsor letter.

Visit the Immigration Office

Go to the nearest immigration office or authorized visa center in the country you are visiting. Ensure you carry all required documents, completed application forms, and any supporting paperwork as per local regulations.

Submit Application & Pay Fees

Apply for the renewal and pay the renewal fees. Ensure you ask for and maintain any receipts and acknowledgement forms as these will have your application number.

Wait for Processing

Wait for the processing, which lasts about 5-7 days. Once your visa renewal or extension is approved you will need to visit the Immigration Department in person to collect your visa and passport.

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Key Takeaways

Just a short 4-5 hour flight from India, Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of Indian visitors each year for pilgrimage, tourism and business. The country offers a mix of culture, heritage and modern attractions. The visa process is now easier than ever; most Indian travellers can apply online for an e-visa or through authorised agents for pilgrimage and other travel purposes.

The documents required depend on the type of visa. For a tourist visa, you’ll need a valid passport, confirmed return flight tickets, proof of funds and your approved e-visa or visa stamp. For Umrah or Hajj, additional documents like a pilgrimage package confirmation are required.

While travel insurance is not compulsory, it’s highly advisable for Saudi trips. Long flights, busy airports and crowded pilgrimage routes mean unexpected hiccups can happen. For example, if your baggage is misplaced on arrival in Jeddah or if you need medical care during your stay, a travel insurance plan can save you from unplanned expenses and stress.
With IndusInd Saudi Arabia travel insurance (formerly Reliance travel insurance), you get affordable plans starting at ₹306*, plus 24×7 assistance for emergencies like lost passports, flight delays, or medical claims. Buy it online and keep your policy on your phone for easy access during your journey.

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Frequently Added Questions (FAQs)

Will claim reimbursement be made in foreign currency?

No, all reimbursements are processed in Indian Rupees, based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of the incident or billing.

What should I do in case of lost passport or baggage?

File a police complaint at the local station and obtain a report. Also, inform the airline (for baggage loss) and file a PIR. These reports are needed for claim processing.

How do I track the status of my claim?

Claim status can be tracked via the Reliance customer portal or by contacting the claims assistance helpline with your reference number.

How long does it take to settle a claim?

If all documents are in order, most claims are settled within 10 to 15 working days. Complex cases may take slightly longer.

What is the time limit to report a claim?

Claims should be reported within 24–48 hours of the incident. Delay in notification may impact claim approval unless a valid reason is provided.

What documents are needed for a reimbursement claim?

You must submit the filled claim form, original hospital bills, medical reports, passport copy with visa stamps, boarding pass, and any other relevant documents.

What is Senior Citizen Travel Insurance?

Senior Citizen Travel Insurance is a specially designed policy that provides financial protection to individuals above 61 years of age when travelling abroad. It offers coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, baggage loss, trip delays, and more, ensuring peace of mind during international travel.

Who is eligible for this policy?

Any Indian citizen aged 61 years and above can purchase this policy. It is suitable for both solo senior travellers and those travelling with family members.

Why is travel insurance important for senior citizens?

With advancing age, the risk of medical complications increases. This policy ensures that senior travellers are protected from high medical costs abroad, and provides additional coverage for travel-related contingencies like missed flights or lost baggage.

Is any medical test required before policy issuance?

A medical test may be required for applicants above a certain age or with disclosed health conditions. In most cases, a tele-underwriting process is followed to assess eligibility.

Can a family member buy the policy on behalf of a senior citizen?

Yes, a family member can assist with the purchase as long as accurate information is provided. The policy must still be issued in the name of the senior traveller.

Can the policy be purchased at the last minute?

Yes, the policy can be bought even on the day of travel, provided the trip hasn’t started. However, it is advisable to purchase the policy in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.