Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians
- Saudi Arabia visa types
- Saudi tourist visa for Indians
- Saudi tourist visa application process for Indians
- Saudi Arabia visit visa requirements for Indian citizens
- Saudi visa fees for Indian nationals
- Visit visa processing time
- Saudi tourist visa validity
- Saudi visit visa extension
- FAQ
Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians
The Saudi Arabia visa for Indians is an official document that permits individuals with an Indian passport to enter and stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a designated period and particular purposes. The issued visa’s specific type and conditions will determine how long you can stay and the kind of activities you can undertake while you’re there. You may be wondering, ‘Do Indians need a visa for Saudi Arabia?’ Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to go to Saudi Arabia, be it for business, work, study, tourism, or family visits.
The validity of the visa varies depending on its type. For example, if you’re planning to sightsee Saudi Arabia, you would require a tourist visa. For a single-entry tourist visa, you can stay up to 30 days from the date of arrival. If you're planning to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, you will need a Hajj visa, which allows you to enter and stay in Saudi Arabia only during the designated Hajj period.
Saudi Arabia visa types
You may want to experience the rich culture of Saudi Arabia or spend time with loved ones residing there. Alternatively, you may want to seek employment or do business in Saudi Arabia. To do any of these, you will require an appropriate KSA visa for Indians. It’s essential to know about the various visa types and conditions so that you apply for one that meets your unique needs. Read on to explore the different visa types:
Visit visa
Here’s a list of the different types of visit visas:
- Tourist visa
You may be dreaming of exploring the Saudi desert on the outskirts of Jeddah on a 4x4 or strolling along the historic streets of Al Balad. If you’re planning to visit Saudi Arabia to experience its nature, culture, history, and food, you will need a tourist visa. - Family and friends visa
Apply for this visa if you’re planning to visit friends and family who are residing in Saudi. - Umrah visa
Saudi Arabia is also home to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram, can be undertaken at any time of the year except during the Hajj season. It can typically be completed in a few hours. You can perform Umrah with a Saudi visit visa for Indian nationals. - Medical visa
Apply for a medical visa if you’re seeking medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. - Business visa
With a Saudi Arabia business visa for Indian nationals, you can enter Saudi Arabia for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or partnerships.
Transit visa
If you need to pass through and stay in Saudi Arabia for more than 12 hours while you’re on your way to another destination, you will require a transit visa. More specifically, you can apply for a land, air, or sea transit visa depending on your mode of travel. For example, if you have a layover in Saudi Arabia, you will require a transit visa. Transit visas are typically valid for a short duration, usually 72 hours.
Work visa
Saudi Arabia is a key destination for employment among Indian nationals, with over 2.4 million Indians working and living in the kingdom as of 2022. Many Indians take up jobs in the construction, healthcare, information technology (IT), and domestic services sectors. You will require a Saudi work visa for Indians if you want to work there.
There are three types of work visas, namely: the permanent work visa, the temporary work visa, and the seasonal work visa. The permanent work visa is for individuals who have secured long-term employment contracts in Saudi Arabia. As for the temporary work visa, it’s for workers who have short-term employment contracts. There’s also a seasonal work visa that allows individuals to work in Saudi Arabia for temporary periods, such as during agricultural harvests or peak tourism seasons.
Before getting your work visa for Saudi Arabia, take note that you cannot change jobs or your employer on a work visa without specific procedures and approvals. The same thing applies to changing employers.
Work visa
Saudi Arabia is a key destination for employment among Indian nationals, with over 2.4 million Indians working and living in the kingdom as of 2022. Many Indians take up jobs in the construction, healthcare, information technology (IT), and domestic services sectors. You will require a Saudi work visa for Indians if you want to work there.
There are three types of work visas, namely: the permanent work visa, the temporary work visa, and the seasonal work visa. The permanent work visa is for individuals who have secured long-term employment contracts in Saudi Arabia. As for the temporary work visa, it’s for workers who have short-term employment contracts. There’s also a seasonal work visa that allows individuals to work in Saudi Arabia for temporary periods, such as during agricultural harvests or peak tourism seasons.
Before getting your work visa for Saudi Arabia, take note that you cannot change jobs or your employer on a work visa without specific procedures and approvals. The same thing applies to changing employers.
Hajj visa
The Hajj visa is only for Muslims who want to visit Saudi Arabia to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca during the annual Hajj season. This season takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. This visa is only issued during the Hajj season through authorized travel agents or tour operators. This period usually lasts five to six days and pilgrims are required to leave Saudi soon after without engaging in any tourism activities.
To obtain this visa, you will need to provide evidence of your Muslim faith. Apart from the visa fee, you may have to pay an additional amount to expedite the visa processing time or for support services provided by the travel agency or tour operator.
Education visa
If you plan on studying in Saudi Arabia, you will require an education visa. After gaining acceptance to study at a school or university in Saudi, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia student visa. With this visa, you can reside in Saudi Arabia for the term of your enrollment to pursue your education. The visa is usually limited to 90 days within a one-year validity period for students who want to pursue a short diploma certificate or language course. For degree programs that require more than three months, you may be issued a visa with a longer validity period.
For this visa, you will not require a Saudi sponsor. However, you need to provide the acceptance letter from the educational institution and health insurance coverage. You will also need to submit proof of financial means to show that you can afford the visa fees, tuition fees, and living costs. The institution will usually facilitate the visa application process on your behalf once you’ve gained acceptance into the program.
Residency visa
The residence visa is typically for the family members of Saudi residents and citizens to sponsor their immediate relatives to live in Saudi on a temporary or permanent basis. In certain situations, employers may also sponsor the residence visa applicants. Residence visas are usually granted for one to two years and you can apply for renewal when they expire. They’re granted based on family ties, purpose of living in the country, investments in Saudi, and employment sponsorship.
Other visas
Here are some other visa types:
- Missions and organizations visit visa
This visa is for diplomats, country heads, high-ranking public officers, and their families. This visa is used to enable foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Saudi Arabia to invite individuals whom the mission or organization wants to host. - Diplomatic visa
This visa is issued to diplomats who hold diplomatic passports and is meant for visiting, residing, or working in diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi tourist visa for Indians
A Saudi Arabia tourist visa for Indians allows its holders to take part in tourism-related activities, visit family and friends, and perform Umrah. The Saudi tourist visa for Indian citizens is usually issued as a sticker visa. However, you can apply for an eVisa if you meet either of these conditions:
- You‘re a U.S., U.K., or Schengen resident, or business or tourist visa holder. Additionally, your passport must have an entry stamp from the issuing country.
- You’re a resident of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Saudi tourist visa application process for Indians
Indians wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes need to apply for a tourist visa either online or in person at an authorized visa application center. Here’s a breakdown of the required steps to obtain a Saudi tourist visa for Indian citizens:
Applying online for a Saudi Arabia visa for Indians
If you meet the criteria mentioned in the previous section, you’re eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa for Indians online. You can follow these steps:
- Fill out the electronic Saudi visa application form.
- Pay the visa fee
Pay securely using a debit or credit card, or another valid payment method.
- Receive the approved eVisa
Once your visa is approved, you will receive your eVisa via email. Make sure that all the information is correct and matches the information on your passport.
Applying via an authorized visa application center
If you’re not eligible for an eVisa, you have to apply via an authorized visa application center (VAC). If you’re residing in India, you can look for authorized centers in your nearest city. Follow these steps to apply for a tourist visa:
- Prepare the relevant documents
Find out about the documents you need to submit from the visa application center and obtain them.
- Book an appointment
Book an appointment on the website of the visa application center. Alternatively, you may visit the visa application center to make a booking, if this is an option at your nearest VAC. You will receive an appointment letter with details of your appointment, such as the address of the visa center, fees to be paid, and other important guidelines.
- Submit your application
Arrive at the application center 15 minutes before your appointment and familiarise yourself with the security regulations in advance. Upon arrival, you will receive a token and will be called to the counter where you can submit your documents. You can also opt for value-added services, such as SMS updates or courier delivery at this point.
- Complete the biometric collection
When you submit your documents, you’ll be asked to provide your biometric information. This includes your biographic data, fingerprints, and a facial image. If the applicant is below 6 years or above 80 years of age, they’re not required to provide their biometrics and hence do not need to visit the application center.
- Track the application
You can track the status of your application on the website of the visa application center with your appointment reference number. If you’ve opted for the SMS service, you’ll automatically receive updates regarding your application.
- Collect your passport
Once the processing of your application is done, you can visit the application center to collect your passport. Remember to bring the original invoice and receipt provided to you during the application submission process. If an agent or representative is collecting your passport on your behalf, you’ll need to provide an authorization letter. If you’ve opted for the courier service, your passport will be delivered to the address you provided during the application submission process.
Saudi Arabia visit visa requirements for Indian citizens
Before you submit your visit visa application, you need to prepare your passport, a passport-sized photo, and several other documents. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a visa and enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone. If you’re under the age of 18, you may only enter if you’re accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or sibling who’s over the age of 18.
Here’s a list of requirements if you’re applying online:
Passport
Check that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from when you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.
Passport-sized photo
You will need to follow these specifications:
- A recent color photo with a solid white background that was taken within the last three months.
- Digital image size to be between 5 and 100 KB.
- The size of the photo to be two by two inches.
- The face should cover 80% of the photo.
- Neutral facial expressions.
- The head should be straight and you should be looking directly at the camera.
- No wearing of eyeglasses.
- No wearing of headgear (except for religious reasons).
- Both eyes and ears should be visible.
Application form
The application form should be filled correctly with your personal details.
If you’re applying via a visa application center, you’ll need these additional documents on top of those mentioned above:
Flight itinerary
Provide a detailed itinerary of your departure and return date and any layovers you’re making.
Return ticket
Provide a copy of your flight booking with a confirmed return ticket.
Address of residence in Saudi
Provide proof of your confirmed hotel accommodation, such as a hotel reservation. If you’re staying with a family member or friend in Saudi, provide their full address.
Proof of solvency
You will need to submit an updated original bank statement. It should be maintained for the last three months with a minimum balance of the equivalent of 750 USD per applicant. Your bank statement needs to be duly attested on all pages by the bank seal and signed by the bank official. If you’re submitting a company bank statement, you will also need to provide the Certificate of Incorporation to prove ownership.
Proof of employment
Obtain a dated letter from your employer confirming your employment with the company with the original company seal and signature addressed to the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia, Mumbai)
Commercial registration copy
If the applicant is a proprietor or business owner, submit a commercial registration copy.
Bonafide certificate
If the applicant is a student, submit a bonafide certificate from the educational institution.
Saudi visa fees for Indian nationals
You may be wondering about the Saudi Arabia visa price for Indians. If you’re applying for an electronic tourist visa, the fees are USD$199 via SaudiVisa.com. For embassy-issued tourist visas, please contact the authorized visa application center that you plan to apply through to enquire about the exact visa fees. This will help you be fully prepared for the fees and avoid any unexpected costs.
Visit visa processing time
If you’re applying for an eVisa, the processing time is very fast. Once your visa is approved, you can receive it within 24 hours. If you apply via a visa application center, the Saudi Arabia tourist visa from India is usually processed and issued within four to five days. Plan ahead and apply for your visa early to avoid any delays.
Saudi tourist visa validity
The visit visa for Saudi Arabia from India is either issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay for 30 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As for the multiple-entry visa, it’s valid for one year and allows for a 90-day stay during the validity period.
Saudi visit visa extension
Saudi Arabia visit visas are non-extendable. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days during the validity period with a multiple-entry visit visa. If you wish to stay for a longer period, you will need to leave Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new tourist visa. If you wish to extend your stay for a different purpose, such as for work or study, you would need to apply for another type of Saudi visa for Indian nationals.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians:
The Umrah visa is for Muslims entering Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina outside of the Hajj season. The Umrah visa cost from India is anywhere from 100 USD to 150 USD. You can obtain an Umrah visa online from India through an authorized travel agent. There may be additional charges for visa processing and any other services provided by the travel agency.
No, visa fees are not refundable after issuance. If you decide to not visit Saudi Arabia, your visa application fee will not be refunded.
No, you’re not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa or any other visa except for a work visa. It’s essential to follow the Saudi Arabia rules for Indian citizens to avoid any legal issues.
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