fb-pixel

Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians: Requirements & Fees

29-May-2023

15 min read

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. And, if you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, you'll need to know more about the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians.

So I created this blog to provide in-depth information on the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians. So let's begin without wasting any time.

Type of visa: Saudi Arabia visa for Indians.

Visa Processing Time: 3 - 5 days.

Visa Fee: Consulate visa SAR 440 (approx. INR 9691).

Saudi Visa Validity: 1 year validity for a 90 day stay.

Where To Apply: Atlys.

Aerial View on Cliff in Desert in Saudi Arabia

Do Indians Need A Visa For Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Indian passport holders traveling to Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa before their trip. Additionally, India does not belong to a visa-exempt country, meaning a valid visa is mandatory.

A Saudi visa is an official document allowing the holder to enter the country legally. Without a valid visa, you cannot even board your flight.

If you somehow manage to get to KSA, the immigration officers will deny you entry. And you'll be deported back to India to apply for a relevant visa.

Also, remember that deportation can affect your future visa application for Saudi Arabia from India.

Can I Get Visa On Arrival In Saudi Arabia?

Yes. However, not all Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi visa on arrival for Indians.

Indian citizens that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival for Indians:

  • Indian citizens must have a valid visa for the USA, United Kingdom, or Schengen country
  • Visa must be valid at the time of arrival in Saudi Arabia
  • It is a valid tourist visa or business visa for the mentioned countries
  • The visa has been utilized or used to enter the issuing country at least once
  • The passport must have an entry stamp from the issuing country
  • You are arriving in Saudi Arabia on a national air carrier such as Flyadeal, Saudia, Flynas, or SaudiGulf
  • You have an international credit card or MADA to pay visa fees.

Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements For Indians

Something to know about the Saudi Arabian Embassy is that they are quite strict when granting visas.

Any missing or incorrect documents in your visa application could mean rejection. You can use Atlys to help you gather the required documents.

Colorful map of Saudi Arabia

What Are The Required Documents For A Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians?

Firstly, to be able to apply for a Saudi visit visa for Indians 2023, you must be 18 years or older.

And must submit the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • A duly filled out visa application form
  • Personal details such as an address, phone number, and email address
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
  • Proof of sufficient finance such as bank statements
  • Proof of employment such as pay slips or letter from the employer
  • Travel Insurance
  • Invitation letter or cover letter (if applicable)

You can use Atlys to help you gather the required documents.

What Are The Passport Requirements For A Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians?

Your original passport should meet the following Saudi Arabia entry requirements when applying for a Saudi visit visa for Indians:

  • Passport must have 6 months validity from the time of visa application
  • There are a minimum of two blank pages in your passport
  • The blank pages must be facing each other
  • Additionally, the passport must be valid for 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia

What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements For A Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians?

There is no specified amount mentioned by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs related to Saudi tourist visas for Indians.

However, you would need to provide the bank statements received from the bank with a seal or bank stamp. The bank statements should reflect enough finances to cover your or your family's trip (if you sponsor them).

What Are The Requirements For Minors Applying For A Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians?

Only Indian citizens above 18 years can apply for a visa. Meaning that parents or guardians must apply on behalf of the minor.

They would need to provide the following required documents:

  • A certified letter of consent from BOTH parents if the minor is traveling alone
  • A certified letter of consent from the other parent if the minor is traveling with ONE parent
  • Must provide a copy of the unabridged birth certificate for visa application
  • Must carry an unabridged birth certificate when traveling

What Are The Photo Requirements For A Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians?

The passport-sized photographs must meet the following requirements when applying for a Saudi visit visa for Indians:

  • You must have a minimum of TWO passport-size photographs
  • The photo must be on a white background
  • The Saudi Arabia visa photo size must be 2-inch x 2-inch (5cm x 5cm)
  • The photo must show your full face with eyes clearly visible
  • Must be attached or stapled loosely to the filled visa application form

Use the Atlys visa photo tool to get a perfect passport-sized photograph generated for you for free!

Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements

How To Get A Saudi eVisa For Indians Effortlessly Through Atlys?

If you're looking for a hassle-free way to get your Saudi tourist visa for Indians, Atlys is the app for you! With Atlys, you can easily apply for a visa and get real-time updates on the status of your application.

It’s really quite simple to apply:

  • First, download the Atlys app from the app store
  • Select your destination.
  • Next scan your travel documents.
  • Lastly, submit your application.

Review about Atlys:

  • Brian: I was done with my second application in 10 seconds. This app will change your life if you are a traveler.
  • Jack: Will never have to stress about visas again. Thank you Atlys.

You can also find out all the requirements for getting a visa for your desired country. So download the Atlys app for a Saudi visa today and make your travel dreams a reality!

Apply for your Saudi Arabia visa on the Atlys app

How To Apply For A Saudi Visit Visa For Indians?

So if you are going to apply for a Saudi visa yourself, you only have two points. Directly on Atlys or through a registered travel agent. Unless you have a friend or family member in KSA who can apply for you online.

If you have decided to apply for your visa through a registered travel agent, you must:

STEP 1: Have The Required Documents

Get the most tedious task out of your way. Which is gathering all the required documents for the visa application.

Remember, incorrect or incomplete documents can lead to the visa application being denied. And the Embassy of Saudi Arabia is quite strict regarding granting visas.

STEP 2: Fill Out The Visa Application Form

Once your documents are ready, complete the KSA visa application form.

The form must be filled out with a pen or on an application such as adobe, and then it must be printed out.

Here’s what the visa form looks like:

Saudi Arabia Visa Application Form

STEP 3: Find A Registered Travel Agent

Now everything should be ready on your side.

So it is time to find a registered travel agent in India that can apply for a visa for you.

STEP 4: Submit And Pay For Visa Application

It is crucial that the visa application comes through a visa agent and that you do not submit it directly at the embassy.

And finally, you must pay the visa agent the relevant Saudi Arabia visa fees for Indians.

The visa fees are generally included in the service fees charged by the visa agent. Hence it is best to use Atlys to avoid too many steps and see where you are spending your money.

STEP 5: Wait For The Visa Process

The travel agent would then send the visa application to the Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate in Mumbai.

The visa process could take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the merit of your visa application and travel agent.

STEP 6: Receive Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians

And you did it!

Once the visa is approved, your visa agent will give you your passport with a valid visa.

If you have a family member who is a resident or citizen in Saudi Arabia, then they can apply on the online MOFA portal. However, this visa application must go through the Chamber of Commerce in KSA to be approved before the visa is granted.

Can You Apply For A Saudi Arabia Visa At The Embassy?

No. Indian citizens cannot apply for a Saudi Arabia visa directly at the Embassy. Instead, they must go through the visa agents to apply for one.

How To Do Saudi Arabia Visa Status Check?

Since Indian citizens cannot apply for a Saudi eVisa, there is no way to do a Saudi visa check online. But, if you have applied for your visa on Atlys, you can follow your visa application on your phone.

However, if a citizen or resident has applied for a visa for you on the MOFA platform, they can check the visa status online. To check the visa status, they must:

  • Visit the MOFA platform.
  • On the homepage, you will find 'Query: Inquiry for applied requests.'
  • Here, you must provide detail for Inquiry type, Application Number, ID Number, and Captcha.
  • Click on 'Search' to check the visa status
Saudi visa application status check on MOFA

Alternatively, you can also do the following:

  • Visit the MOFA platform.
  • On the homepage, click on 'Login.'
  • Then click on the 'Individual login.'
  • Provide your account information
  • You will be able to check the visa status
Saudi Arabia visa application status check on MOFA 2

An Overview Of The Saudi Arabia Visa For Indians

Before jumping straight into the nitty-gritty of the Saudi tourist visa application, let us first take a quick glance at some other things, such as:

Clock tower brightly lit by the sun in Saudi Arabia

What Type Of Saudi Visa Can Indians Apply For?

The types of visas Indians can apply for depend on the purpose of their visit to the country. And the validity of a particular Saudi visa will vary accordingly.

The Saudi visa types for Indians are:

  • Saudi Business Visit Visa: Allows you to visit the country for short-term business trips. You cannot work on this visa type.
  • Saudi Educational Visa: Allows you to take educational courses or study in the country.
  • Saudi Family Visit Visa: Allows you to stay in the country with family members for the long term.
  • Saudi Hajj Visa: Allows you to visit the country for the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Saudi Medical Visa: Allows you to visit the country for medical or treatment purposes.
  • Saudi Resident Visa: Allows you to take permanent residence in the country.
  • Saudi Tourism Visit Visa: Allows you to visit the country for tourism purposes only.
  • Saudi Transit Visa: Allows you to transit through the airport if your stayover is longer than 12 hours.
  • Saudi Umrah Visa: Allows you to visit the country for the Umrah pilgrimage.
  • Saudi Visit Visa: Allows you to visit friends and family for a short term. And they can apply for it online on your behalf on the MOFA portal.
  • Saudi Arabia Work Visa: Allows you to live and work in the country long term. You can also check out our Saudi Arabia work visa for Indians blog.

For the sake of this blog, we'll be focusing on the Saudi visit visa for Indians for tourism or short visits.

Is There A Saudi eVisa For Indians?

No. India is not on the eligible countries list for a Saudi eVisa. Meaning Indians must apply for an embassy-issued visa.

But you can get around this by using Atlys to apply for a Saudi tourist visa for Indians directly from your phone.

What Are The Saudi Arabia Visa Price For Indians?

The Saudi Arabia visa fees for Indians are different for each visa type. They must be paid to authorized/registered visa agents in India. You do not pay any visa fees to the Embassy.

The different Saudi Arabia visa price for Indians are as follows:

  • Consulate visa: SAR 300
  • VIP Business Visa: SAR 1000
  • Business Visa Multiple Entry: SAR 500
  • Business Visa Single Entry: SAR 200
  • Work, Residency, Transit, and Student: SAR 50
  • Government, Hajj, and Umrah: Free of Cost
  • Saudi Arabia visa on arrival for Indians costs SAR 480
  • Saudi Insurance: SAR 140

The Saudi Arabia visa price for Indians are included in the visa application fees paid to the visa agents. Lastly, the visa fees are non-refundable.

What Is The Saudi Arabia Visa Processing Time?

The Saudi tourist visa for Indians can take 3 to 5 days to process. However, remember that each visa application is different, and sometimes the visa processing can take up to 3 weeks.

Additionally, the visa application goes through authorized travel agents and could take a few extra days. So I suggest you plan accordingly and start your visa application at least a month before your trip.

What Is The Saudi Arabia Visa Validity For Indians?

The Saudi tourist visa validity is related to the type of visit permits you have applied for.

Generally, the Saudi tourist visa validity of a single entry Saudi visit visa for Indians is 90 days, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Whereas a multiple entry visa is valid for 365 days. It allows you to stay in the country for 90 days.


Issues When Applying For A Saudi Visa From India

Not all visa applications are simple, and some hiccups along the way are common.

However, some issues can delay the visa application or even get rejected. So let us look at some of the common issues:

  • You are not eligible for the visa types you are applying for.
  • You cannot find a registered travel agent near you; hence, I strongly recommend Atlys.
  • You do not have the right passport-sized photograph.
  • If you have a criminal record in India, it could lead to visa rejection.
  • You were previously denied entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • You do not have sufficient funds to cover your trip.
  • The visa application form is incomplete or not filled out correctly.
  • You do not have all the required documents.
  • Your purpose of the visit is unclear to the KSA embassy.
  • You did not provide acceptable documents for the minor.
  • You have previously traveled to Israel.
  • You have an Israeli stamp on your passport.

What Happens When I Arrive In Saudi?

Now you have your visa and are ready to travel to Saudi. But what happens then?

Here are some of the things you should have and expect:

  • You must have a valid visa to travel to the country.
  • Your passport must have a minimum of 6 months of validity.
  • You must have valid travel insurance.
  • Do not forget your travel itinerary.
  • Minors must have a certified letter of consent to enter the country.
  • The flight crew conducts Saudi visa checks before boarding the flight.
  • The Saudi visa for Indians does not guarantee your entry into the country.
  • The Saudi immigration officers check your visa and passport validity at the checkpoint.
  • The immigration officers have the right to deny your entry into the country.
  • You can enter the country once your passport is stamped.

Some Saudi Arabian Laws To Keep In Mind

If you want to stay out of trouble in a foreign country, I suggest you follow all the rules.

Hence, I laid out some rules for you to remember:

  • You must not drink alcohol in public places or appear drunk.
  • Do not take or own drugs.
  • You must wear conservative clothes or be dressed appropriately in public places.
  • Do not show display of affection when in public places.
  • Do not take photographs of any women, children, government authorities, or buildings without permission.
  • Do not bring in any items deemed inappropriate or illegal by the KSA customs.
  • During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public places between sunrise and sunset.
  • Do not preach or speak against the Saudi Royal family, local laws, customs, or religion.
  • Remember that same-sex relations are not allowed; hence LGBTQ+ travelers must remain careful on the trip.
  • Do not overstay the visa validity and do not participate in activities against what is allowed in the visa.
  • You must declare if you are bringing in or taking out money amounting to SAR 60000 in Saudi Arabia.
  • Always carry your passport or ID document with you in case of any emergency.
  • Keep in mind the Sharia Law.

If you find yourself in any trouble, you must contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate General of Indians in Jeddah.

Dome Buildings during Golden Hour in Saudi Arabia

All done!

Obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa for Indian citizens is crucial before embarking on your journey. By understanding the requirements, application process, fees, and validity, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

And that is everything! So, if you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, now you have all the information you need to start planning your trip!

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Government Sources

All information was gathered from reputable sources such as:

Written By: Nikhita Rathod
Fact Checked By: Shannon Reeler

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian Citizens Need Visa For Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. A visa is a mandatory requirement for Indian citizens to enter Saudi Arabia for various purposes such as tourism, business, work, or religious visits.

Is Tourist Visa Open For Indians In Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is open for travel from India.

Do I Need A Sponsor To Apply For A Saudi Tourist Visa For Indians?

No, Indian citizens do not need a sponsor when applying for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa in India.

Do I Need A Sponsor To Apply For A Saudi Visit Visa For Indians?

Yes, for a family/personal visit visa you need a sponsor in Saudi. If you have friends or family members who wish to invite you; then they can sponsor you and apply for your visit visa online on the MOFA platform.

Can I Extend A Saudi Visa For Indians?

Yes, Indian citizens can extend their Saudi visit visa on the Online Platform. However, remember that this is only possible for a family visit visa.

What If I Overstay My Saudi Tourist Visa Validity?

The duration of stay of Saudi Arabian visa holders depends on the visa type, purpose of visit, and validity of their visa. In case you overstay your visa, you will need to pay overstay fees of SAR 100 for each day you overstayed. In extreme cases, you could be penalized, jailed, deported, and never allowed into the country.

What If My Saudi Tourist Visa Is Denied?

Suppose your Saudi visa application is denied in India. In that case, you can go through the process and pay the visa fees again. However, this does not guarantee visa approval.

Why Is My Visa For Saudi Arabia Denied?

There are several reasons why a visa can be denied, such as:

  • Incomplete or false documents
  • Incompetent or inaccurately filled out the visa application form
  • Insufficient funds
  • Criminal record
  • Visa was denied previously
  • You have an Israeli stamp on your passport
  • Unclear purpose of visit

You must check out the blog to find out the reasons for rejection.

Do I Need A Flight Ticket To Apply For A Saudi Tourist Visa?

You will need a return flight ticket if you are applying for a Saudi tourist visa for Indians.

How Long Can You Stay In Saudi Arabia?

Indian citizens can only stay in Saudi Arabia for the validity of their visa. A Saudi visa for Indians is generally valid for a single entry or multiple entries allowing them to stay for 30 or 90 days, respectively.

Can I Get A Visa On Arrival In Saudi Arabia?

Indian citizens that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a visa on arrival Saudi Arabia at the port of entry.

What If I Am Visiting A Friend In Saudi Arabia?

Suppose you are visiting a friend in Saudi Arabia. In that case, they can provide you with an invitation letter along with a copy of their ID or visa. If they cover any costs, they must also provide you with bank statements with proof of sufficient funds.

What Can I Use My Saudi Visa For?

You can use your Saudi visa for tourism purposes or to visit friends on family residing in the country. You can also use the visa for Umrah; however, it cannot be used for Hajj, and you must apply for a relevant visa.

When Must I Apply For A Saudi Visa For Indians?

The visa process can take up to 3 weeks in certain cases; hence you should apply for your visa 30 days in advance.

Can Indians Apply For Saudi eVisa Online?

No. Only 49 countries are eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa. And India is NOT on this list, meaning you'd have to apply in India at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Can Indians Apply For Saudi Visa On Arrival?

Yes. There is a Saudi VoA available for Indians.

You can apply for a Saudi visa on arrival upon reaching the international airport in Saudi Arabia. Indians must meet the requirements for Saudi visa on arrival to apply for it.

You must head to the designated VoA immigration counter upon arrival in Saudi Arabia to apply for the visa.

Remember that you cannot pay the visa fees in cash. Instead, you must have an international credit card or MADA card.

What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements For Saudi Arabia

Finally, Saudi Arabia has also lifted all of the covid19-related rules in the country.

This means the following has changed if you are visiting for tourism purposes:

  • The mask mandate is no longer in place.
  • You do not need proof of vaccinations to enter the country.
  • You do not need a negative covid19 test result to enter the country.
  • However, if you wish, you can still register on the Arrival Form on Muqeem Portal.
  • You do not have to get tested upon arrival.
  • You do not have to quarantine upon arrival in KSA.
  • Regardless, you must carry proof of covid19 vaccination.

If you are visiting the country for religious pilgrims such as Umrah, you must follow the below-mentioned regulations:

  • You must have certified proof of covid19 vaccinations
  • The allowed vaccines are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Jansson.
  • If you do not have certified proof of vaccination, you must undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine.
  • You must also undergo a PCR test on your quarantine's first and fifth day.
  • Pilgrims must also have medical or travel insurance covering costs of covid19-related treatments.
  • You can find additional information on Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Remember that the covid19 rules can be unpredictable and can be changed at any time. Hence, you must stay up to date with covid19 requirements. Also, always check with the airlines to check if there are any regulations you must follow to board your flight.

Do Indians Require A Transit Visa For Saudi Arabia?

Yes, the Saudi transit visa allows individuals to pass through the Kingdom and is applicable for short stays of over 12 hours, providing transit visas.

Can I Transit Through Saudi Arabia Without A Visa?

Yes, you can transit through Saudi Arabia without a visa if you meet certain conditions. Saudi Arabia offers a visa-free transit facility for passengers who have a valid onward ticket, a layover of less than 12 hours, and remain within the designated transit area of the airport.

More from Saudi Arabia

Related Articles