Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Tourist Visa · For India citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Saudi tourist visa application: required documents, fees starting from SAR 300 (approximately ₹6,800), processing times of 5-10 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. With proper documentation through authorized travel agencies, approval rates are high for well-prepared applications.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For India citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent digital photograph meeting Saudi specifications
Health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
Round-trip flight booking showing entry and exit from Saudi Arabia
Confirmed accommodation booking for your stay
Recent bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds
Completed visa application through authorized channel
Recommended (Optional)
If you hold a valid visa from US, UK, or Schengen countries, you can apply for e-visa directly
Application Process
Indian citizens have two pathways to obtain a Saudi tourist visa, depending on whether they hold a valid visa from certain countries.1
Option 1: Direct E-Visa (If You Have US/UK/Schengen Visa)
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply directly through the official Saudi e-visa portal:1
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account
- Select your nationality and provide passport details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo)
- Pay the visa fee (SAR 300) online
- Receive your e-visa via email within 24-48 hours
Option 2: Through Authorized Travel Agency (Standard Route)
Most Indian applicants without US/UK/Schengen visas must apply through Saudi embassy-authorized travel agencies:3
- Contact an authorized travel agency in India
- Submit your passport, photographs, and supporting documents
- The agency submits your application to the Saudi embassy
- Pay the visa fee plus agency service charges
- Collect your visa once approved (5-10 working days)
Option 3: Visa-on-Arrival
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and fly on Saudia or Flynas, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at Saudi airports.2
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (with US/UK/Schengen visa) | SAR 300 (~₹6,800) | Includes basic health insurance |
| Agency-Processed Visa | SAR 500-800 (~₹11,000-18,000) | Includes agency service fees |
| Visa-on-Arrival | SAR 480 (~₹11,400) | Requires US/UK/Schengen visa + Saudia/Flynas flight |
Fees are subject to change.1 Agency fees vary depending on the service provider and package selected.
What You Need to Prove
Saudi visa officers assess applications based on:23
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings for accommodation and flights
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover your stay without working
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing departure before visa expires
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting Saudi specifications and matching your passport details
Processing Times
| Application Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (eligible applicants) | 24-48 hours |
| Authorized Travel Agency | 5-10 working days |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Immediate (at airport) |
Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in Saudi Arabia) and public holidays.1 During peak seasons like Ramadan or summer, processing may take longer.
Recent Changes (2025)
Several important policy changes affect Indian applicants:2
- February 2025: Saudi Arabia limited tourists from India (and 13 other countries) to single-entry visas valid for 30 days, suspending the previous one-year multiple-entry option
- Temporary visa suspension: From April to mid-June 2025, tourist, Umrah, and family visit visas were suspended for Indian nationals during the Hajj season. This restriction has since been lifted
- Increased scrutiny: Concerns over visa misuse have led to stricter documentation requirements
These changes aim to prevent visa overstays and manage pilgrim flows during religious seasons.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is approved:4
- Print your e-visa or collect the visa stamp from your agency
- Verify all details match your passport
- At Saudi immigration, present your visa and passport
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Overstaying results in fines (SAR 100+ per day), detention, and potential deportation with re-entry ban
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:3
- Review the refusal reason: Understand what specific issue caused the rejection
- Address the problems: Correct documentation errors, improve financial evidence, or resolve photo issues
- Reapply through your agency: There is no waiting period, but reapplying without fixing issues will likely result in another rejection
- Consider the e-visa route: If you can obtain a US, UK, or Schengen visa first, the e-visa process is simpler and has higher approval rates
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be corrected with proper preparation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, or documents not meeting Saudi specifications. Many rejections occur due to poor quality photographs or missing required paperwork.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure photos meet exact specifications (200x200 pixels, white background). Use an authorized agency to verify completeness.
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between passport details and application form, including spelling errors, wrong passport numbers, or inconsistent dates.
How to avoid: Copy information exactly as it appears in your passport. Review every field before submission. Have someone else verify your application for errors.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing inadequate funds, suspicious large deposits, or irregular transaction patterns that raise concerns about trip affordability.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least SAR 5,000 (₹1,15,000) for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits and avoid unexplained deposits.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, or evidence of working illegally on previous tourist visas.
How to avoid: Always respect visa validity periods. If you have past violations, wait at least 2-3 years before reapplying and provide explanation if asked.
Passport or Photo Issues
Passport expiring within 6 months, damaged passport, or photographs not meeting strict Saudi requirements for format and specifications.
How to avoid: Renew your passport well before travel. Use a professional photo studio familiar with Saudi visa photo requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian citizens get a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, Indian citizens can obtain a Saudi tourist visa. However, Indians are not eligible for the direct e-visa (which is available to 66 countries). Indians must apply through authorized travel agencies or, if they hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, can apply for an e-visa or get visa-on-arrival.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for Indians?
The base tourist visa fee is SAR 300 (approximately ₹6,800). Through authorized agencies, total costs range from SAR 500-800 (₹11,000-18,000) including service fees. Visa-on-arrival costs SAR 480 (approximately ₹11,400) for eligible applicants.
How long does Saudi visa processing take for Indian applicants?
Through authorized travel agencies, processing takes 5-10 working days. If you have a valid US/UK/Schengen visa and apply for e-visa, processing takes 24-48 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
Can I get visa-on-arrival in Saudi Arabia as an Indian citizen?
Yes, but only if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (preferably used at least once) and are flying on Saudi carriers Saudia or Flynas. The visa-on-arrival costs SAR 480 and allows stays up to 90 days.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Saudi tourist visa?
As of February 2025, Indian citizens receive single-entry tourist visas valid for 30 days with a maximum stay of 30 days. The previous multiple-entry option allowing up to 90 days has been suspended for Indian passport holders.
Do I need a sponsor for Saudi tourist visa?
No individual sponsor is required for tourist visas. However, Indians must apply through an authorized travel agency that acts as the facilitating entity. If visiting family, you may need an invitation letter and their Iqama details.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi tourist visa allows you to perform Umrah (excluding Hajj). You must book your Umrah and Ziyarah appointments through the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) before visiting holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
What happens if my Saudi visa is rejected?
Review the rejection reason carefully and address the issues before reapplying. Common fixes include improving document quality, providing better financial evidence, or correcting information errors. There is no formal appeal process, but you can reapply with improved documentation.
Is travel insurance required for Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, health insurance is required. The e-visa fee includes basic health insurance coverage. For agency applications, check if insurance is included or arrange separate travel insurance covering your entire stay.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
Tourist visa extensions are possible but must be arranged before your current visa expires. Contact your sponsoring agency or the Saudi authorities for extension procedures. Overstaying results in fines, detention, and potential entry bans.