Saudi Arabia Announces Multiple Visa Options for Indian Travelers

Synopsis

Saudi Arabia has announced a range of new visa options for Indian travelers, aimed at bolstering tourism and strengthening bilateral ties. The new policies include multiple-entry tourist visas, business visas, and pilgrimage-specific visas, making travel between the two nations simpler and more accessible. This move is expected to enhance economic and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and India.

Saudi Arabia Entices Indian Tourists

Saudi Arabia is simplifying access for Indian tourists with new visa options, including stopover visas, eVisas, and visas-on-arrival. This initiative invites travelers to explore Riyadh's dynamic urban landscape, Jeddah's rich cultural heritage, the Red Sea’s hidden gems, and AlUla's ancient wonders. Currently, there are 10 visa facilitation centers in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Calicut, with plans for more. Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, the goal is to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030 and double visitor numbers to 2.2 million by the end of 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s New Visa Options

Stopover Visa

Indian travelers can now apply for a Stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, available 90 days in advance on the Saudia airline website for a nominal administration and insurance fee.

eVisa

Indians with a valid tourist or business visa from the USA, UK, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry, are eligible for the eVisa. Permanent residents of these countries or those with a valid residence visa from a GCC country, valid for at least three months beyond the entry date into Saudi Arabia, are also eligible. The eVisa can be obtained through the official portal before departure.

Visa-on-arrival

Travelers meeting the criteria of a valid tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or Schengen countries with entry stamps can avail of a visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Permanent residents of these countries can also apply at self-service kiosks or passport control offices at Saudi airports.

Tasheer Centres

For those not eligible under the above criteria, visas can be obtained through Tasheer Centres across India. The process includes document preparation, appointment booking, application submission, biometric enrollment, and passport collection.

Visa Facilitation Centers

There are currently 10 visa facilitation centers in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Calicut, with plans to establish more. Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, the aim is to attract 7.5 million Indian travelers by 2030 and double visitor numbers to 2.2 million by the end of 2024.