Indian citizens need a Saudi visa arranged in advance — India is not on the e-Visa list.
India is not on the list of nationalities Saudi Arabia publishes for its online tourist visa, so most Indian passport holders cannot apply through the e-Visa portal. The Tourist Visa Regulations send nationals of countries outside that list to a Saudi embassy or consulate, or to the ministry’s digital embassy, with a return ticket and itinerary, an accommodation booking, employee identification and proof of funds. There is one important exception, and it is common enough to be worth checking first: if you hold a US, UK or Schengen tourist or business visa that you have already used at least once to enter that country, or permanent residence in the US, EU or UK, or a GCC residence valid for at least three months in a listed profession, you are treated as if India were on the list and can use the e-Visa or be issued a visa on arrival. First-degree relatives travelling with you are covered by the same exception. Hajj needs its own Hajj visa, and Umrah cannot be performed during the Hajj season.
Select visa type & details
Pick a visa category to see every detail at a glance — all options for India → Saudi Arabia.
| Detail | Tourist Visa (Saudi embassy, consulate or the ministry’s digital embassy) |
|---|---|
| Verdict | Embassy visa required |
| Fee | Varies by visa type and nationality, and changes often — check the official fee portal. |
| Validity | Single entry: 3 months, stay up to 1 month. Multiple entry: 1 year, stay up to 3 months in total |
| Max stay | 90 days per visit on a multiple-entry visa |
| Entries | Single or Multiple |
| Processing time | Typically within minutes to 3 business days for the e-Visa. |
| Best for | The normal route. Saudi Arabia asks for a return ticket and itinerary, an accommodation booking in the Kingdom, employee identification and proof of funds. |
| Detail | Tourist e-Visa or visa on arrival (only with a used US, UK or Schengen visa, or US/EU/UK residence) |
|---|---|
| Verdict | Embassy visa required |
| Fee | Varies by visa type and nationality, and changes often — check the official fee portal. |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of issue |
| Max stay | 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Single or Multiple |
| Processing time | Typically within minutes to 3 business days for the e-Visa. |
| Best for | Open only if you hold a US, UK or Schengen tourist or business visa you have already used to enter that country, permanent residence in the US, EU or UK, a GCC residence valid at least three months in a listed profession, or an approved tour package. First-degree relatives travelling with you are covered too. |
| Detail | 96-hour Stopover Visa |
|---|---|
| Verdict | Embassy visa required |
| Fee | Varies by visa type and nationality, and changes often — check the official fee portal. |
| Validity | 96 hours from entry |
| Max stay | 96 hours |
| Entries | Single-entry |
| Processing time | Typically within minutes to 3 business days for the e-Visa. |
| Best for | For passengers transiting through Saudi Arabia on Saudia or Flynas airlines, wishing to explore the country for a short period. |
How much does a Saudi Arabia visa cost for Indian citizens?
The consular fee is the charge that matters; anything else depends on how and where you apply.
- Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
- Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.
We do not publish an amount for this route yet: fees differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.
Documents required for Indian citizens
Tick items as you collect them — 0 of 5 ready.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa from India
Follow these steps in order.
- 1Visit the official Saudi e-Visa portal.Saudi e-Visa Portal
- 2Click on 'Apply for a Visa' and select 'Tourist e-Visa'.
- 3Fill out the online application form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
- 4Upload a digital passport-sized photograph and a scan of your passport's bio-page.
- 5Review all information for accuracy.
- 6Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee typically includes mandatory travel insurance.
- 7Submit your application. You will usually receive the e-Visa via email within minutes to a few business days.
Common Saudi Arabia visa rejection reasons
Why India → Saudi Arabia applications get refused — and how to avoid it.
- Incomplete or inaccurate application form.
How to avoid: Double-check all entries for correctness and ensure all mandatory fields are filled before submission.
- Passport not meeting validity requirements.
How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia.
- Poor quality or non-compliant photograph.
How to avoid: Submit a recent, clear, colored digital photograph that adheres to the specified size and background requirements.
- Previous overstay or violation of Saudi immigration laws.
How to avoid: Always adhere to visa conditions and departure dates on previous visits to Saudi Arabia or any other country.
- Criminal record or security concerns.
How to avoid: Ensure you have no undisclosed criminal history that might flag your application during security checks.
Trip essentials
Hand-picked tools for your Saudi Arabia trip.
Things to know & places to visit
Practical tips and top destinations.
- Dress modestly in public, especially for women, by covering shoulders and knees. While not strictly enforced for tourists, it shows respect for local customs.
- Be mindful of local customs and traditions, particularly during religious periods like Ramadan. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. Do not attempt to bring alcohol into the country or consume it publicly.
- Carry a copy of your passport and e-Visa at all times, and be prepared to present them if requested by authorities.
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time to visit Saudi Arabia, avoiding the extreme summer heat.
- 📍 Riyadh (historical sites, modern architecture)
- 📍 Jeddah (historic Al-Balad district, Red Sea coast)
- 📍 AlUla (ancient Nabataean tombs, stunning desert landscapes)
- 📍 Makkah and Madinah (for Umrah and religious pilgrimage, accessible with tourist visa outside Hajj season)
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, the Tourist e-Visa allows you to perform Umrah and visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, except during the Hajj season.
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The Tourist e-Visa is generally non-extendable beyond the maximum allowed stay of 90 days per visit. Overstaying can lead to penalties.
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Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the e-Visa and is typically included in the e-Visa application fee.
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If your e-Visa application is rejected, you may be able to reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection, or consider applying for a traditional visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
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No, the Tourist e-Visa is strictly for tourism, leisure, and Umrah purposes. It does not permit employment or any form of paid work in Saudi Arabia.
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For an e-Visa to Saudi Arabia, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry. You should renew your passport before applying if it has less than six months of validity remaining. An application with insufficient passport validity may be rejected.
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The Saudi e-Visa application process is generally quick, often processed within minutes or a few days. However, processing times can vary, and it is recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date. Applying at least a week before your trip allows for potential delays.
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As a self-employed Indian citizen, the e-Visa application for Saudi Arabia primarily requires your passport details, a digital photograph, and payment. You typically do not need to submit proof of employment or financial documents during the initial e-Visa application. However, ensure you meet all general eligibility criteria.
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Yes, every individual, including children, must have their own valid e-Visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You will need to complete a separate e-Visa application for your child, using their passport details. Ensure all required information is accurately provided for each applicant.
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An approved Saudi e-Visa is typically valid for a specific period, allowing multiple entries within that timeframe. If your travel dates change but remain within the validity period of your issued e-Visa, you can still use it. However, if your new travel dates fall outside the e-Visa's validity, you will need to apply for a new e-Visa.
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The consular fee is the charge that matters; anything else depends on how and where you apply. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.
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You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Saudi Arabia visa is valid for the whole country — including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and Makkah and Madinah. Apply once for Saudi Arabia and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.
This page is AI-assisted and last verified on 12 Jul 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm on the official source before you travel.