Saudi Arabia has unveiled a comprehensive array of visa options aimed at bolstering tourism from India, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral travel relations. The new visa categories include stopover visas, e-visas, and visa-on-arrival facilities, providing easier access to Saudi Arabia’s diverse destinations.
Indian nationals, constituting one of the Kingdom’s largest and pivotal markets, can now benefit from streamlined visa processes designed to accommodate various travel purposes. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to attract more visitors and promote the country’s multifaceted attractions.
The introduction of these visa options aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying its economy and expanding the tourism sector. The Kingdom aims to position India as a key source market, with ambitious targets to welcome 7.5 million Indian travelers by 2030 and double visitor numbers to 2.2 million by the end of 2024.
Key Visa Options:
Stopover Visa: Indian travelers can now apply for a stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, through Saudia airline’s website. This visa can be obtained up to 90 days in advance for a nominal fee covering administrative and insurance services.
E-visa: Indians holding valid tourist or business visas from the US, UK, or any Schengen country, along with stamped proof of entry, are eligible for the e-visa. Permanent residents of these countries or individuals with a valid residence visa from a GCC country (with a minimum validity of three months beyond entry) can also apply. The e-visa must be obtained before departure via the official Saudi visa portal.
Visa on Arrival: Travelers meeting similar criteria—holding valid tourist or business visas from the US, UK, or Schengen countries with entry stamps—can avail themselves of visa-on-arrival facilities at Saudi international airports. Permanent residents of these countries can apply through self-service kiosks or passport control offices upon arrival.
For those not meeting the above criteria, visa applications can be processed through Tasheer Centres across India. These centers offer comprehensive services including document preparation, appointment booking, application submission, biometric enrollment, and passport collection. All visa options are also applicable for individuals wishing to perform Umrah pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia currently operates 10 visa facilitation centers across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with plans to expand further to facilitate seamless visa processing for Indian travelers.
With these enhanced visa options, Saudi Arabia aims to attract a broader spectrum of travelers from India, fostering cultural exchange, tourism growth, and economic cooperation between the two nations. As travel restrictions ease and tourism rebounds globally, these initiatives are poised to make Saudi Arabia a more accessible and inviting destination for Indian tourists seeking diverse experiences and hospitality.
The launch of these visa categories underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and positioning itself as a leading hub for tourism and business in the Middle East region.
