India Tourist Visa
e-Tourist Visa · For Saudi Arabia citizens
Planning a trip to India from Saudi Arabia? You can apply for an e-Tourist Visa entirely online with no embassy visit required. The process takes just 72 hours, costs $25-$80 depending on validity, and has a 98% approval rate. This guide covers everything you need for a successful application.
India Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Saudi Arabia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India
A recent digital photograph meeting India's e-Visa specifications
A clear scan or photo of your passport's biographical page
Complete the e-Visa application form on the official Indian government portal
Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card or payment wallet
Details of your planned trip to India
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence of return or onward travel plans
Application Process
India’s e-Visa system allows Saudi Arabian citizens to apply entirely online with no embassy visit required.1 The process is straightforward and typically takes 72 hours.
1. Complete Online Application
Visit the official e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.1 Select “e-Tourist Visa” and fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
2. Upload Documents
Upload your digital photograph (JPEG, 10-300 KB) and passport bio page scan (PDF, 10-300 KB).1 Both must meet the strict specifications to avoid rejection.
3. Pay the Fee
Pay the visa fee using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 A 2.5% bank processing fee applies. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
4. Receive Your ETA
After approval, you’ll receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.1 Print this document and carry it when traveling to India.
5. Arrive in India
Present your printed ETA at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival.1 The e-Visa will be stamped in your passport. You must enter through one of the 31 designated airports or 6 seaports.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Entries | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day e-Tourist | $25 ($10 Apr-Jun) | 30 days | Double | 30 days |
| 1-Year e-Tourist | $40 | 1 year | Multiple | 180 days/year |
| 5-Year e-Tourist | $80 | 5 years | Multiple | 180 days/year |
A 2.5% bank processing fee applies to all payments.1 Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
Designated Entry Points
e-Visa holders can enter India through designated immigration checkpoints only.3
Airports (31 designated): Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Cochin, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kannur, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, and Srinagar.3
Seaports (6 designated): Chennai, Cochin, Goa (Mormugao), Mangalore, Mumbai, and Port Blair.3
You can exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Point via air, sea, land, or rail.3
What You Need to Know
The e-Tourist Visa is designed for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, casual business visits, and short-term yoga programs.1 You cannot use it for employment, studies, journalism, or mountaineering.
Key rules:1
- Apply 4 to 120 days before your arrival date
- The visa is non-extendable and non-convertible
- You cannot work or study on this visa
- 180-day maximum stay per calendar year for 1-year and 5-year visas
- Biometric data will be captured at the immigration checkpoint on arrival
Processing Times
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours from submission.1 Most applications are approved within 24-48 hours.
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional verification is required
- Documents need clarification
- Peak travel seasons with high application volumes
Apply at least 7-10 days before your planned travel to allow time for any unexpected delays.4
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your ETA will be emailed to you. At the Indian border, you may be asked to show:
- Printed copy of your ETA
- Valid passport
- Return or onward travel tickets
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Immigration officers may ask about your travel purpose and itinerary. Answer truthfully and have your hotel bookings accessible.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your e-Visa application is rejected, you will receive an email with the reason. Common steps to take:
- Review the rejection reason carefully
- Correct any errors in your documents or information
- Reapply with a new application and fee
- Consider regular visa if repeatedly rejected. Apply through the Embassy of India in Riyadh2 or the Consulate General in Jeddah4
There is no appeal process for e-Visa rejections. A fresh application with corrected information is required.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect Personal Information
Errors in name, date of birth, passport number, or other details that don't match your passport exactly.
How to avoid: Double-check every field against your passport before submitting. Even minor spelling differences can cause rejection.
Photo Not Meeting Specifications
Photo doesn't meet the strict requirements: wrong size, format, background color, or facial positioning.
How to avoid: Use a plain white background with even lighting. Face the camera directly with a neutral expression. No glasses or head coverings unless for religious reasons.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport has less than 6 months validity from arrival date or insufficient blank pages.
How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival and has at least 2 blank pages.
Incomplete Application
Missing required fields, incomplete travel information, or invalid reference details in India.
How to avoid: Fill out all fields completely. Provide a valid hotel address or tour operator contact as your reference in India.
Document Quality Issues
Blurry passport scan, illegible text, or documents that don't meet the file size and format requirements.
How to avoid: Use a scanner rather than phone camera. Ensure the entire passport page is visible with no glare or shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Saudi Arabian citizens get an e-Visa for India?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is among the 170+ countries eligible for India's e-Visa program. You can apply entirely online without visiting an embassy.
How long does India e-Visa processing take?
Most e-Visas are processed within 72 hours. However, you must apply between 4 and 120 days before your travel date. Applying well in advance is recommended.
What is the India tourist visa fee for Saudi Arabian citizens?
The 30-day e-Tourist Visa costs $25 (or $10 during April-June). The 1-year multiple entry visa is $40, and the 5-year visa is $80. A 2.5% bank fee also applies.
How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?
With a 30-day e-Visa, you can stay up to 30 days. For 1-year and 5-year visas, you can stay up to 180 days per calendar year across multiple visits.
Which airports can I enter India with an e-Visa?
You can enter through 31 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa, Jaipur, and others. You can also enter through 6 seaports.
Can I extend my India e-Visa?
No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa.
What if my e-Visa is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issues. Check the rejection reason, fix any errors in your application or documents, and submit a new application with the fee.
Do I need to print the e-Visa?
Yes, you must print the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) sent to your email and carry it when traveling. Present it at immigration upon arrival in India.