How do Indians get tourist visas for Saudi Arabia?

In line with Vision 2030 – a blueprint for diversifying the economy of Saudi Arabia, doing away with the over-dependence on oil – the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) recently announced the launch of the tourist visa.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans on the creation of 1 million jobs and welcoming 100 million tourists by 2030.

Earlier, for a non-immigrant intending travelling to Saudi Arabia, the only options available would be to either get a work visa or the Haj visa.

To be eligible for an online tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, you would have to be a national of any of the 49 countries specified.

Nevertheless, as the list of the 49 nationalities eligible for the online tourist visa for Saudi Arabia does not include India, that does leave a question in the minds of many like us.

How do Indians get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

Step 1: Getting the Application Form

Indians would have to get the Application Form from the following –

• Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Delhi
• Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai

Step 2: Checking the Eligibility Criteria

• Valid Indian passport with a 6 months’ validity on the date that you plan on entering Saudi Arabia.
• Above 18 years of age OR accompanied by an adult guardian.
• Proof of either Hotel Booking or Accommodation while in Saudi Arabia.

Step 3: Arranging your documents

As an Indian national living in India, you will be expected to submit the following documents –

• Original passport
• Return ticket
• Application Form duly filled-in
• Bank statement
• Proof of employment
• Hotel booking
• Others, such as home address, valid ID, details of travel itinerary when in Saudi Arabia

Step 4: Submission of the form

You will be expected to pay a fees of about SAR 460 for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia from India.

Do keep in mind that the fees is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused for any reason.

For an Indian, a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia issued will be multiple entry, with a 1-year validity. Do keep in mind that even despite the validity being 1 year, you cannot stay beyond 90 days at one time. You will be expected to exit the country every 90 years.

No extensions are allowed on the tourist visa for Saudi Arabia.

If you overstay for any reason, be prepared to pay up SAR 100 for each day that you overstay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Kickstarting tourism is an integral part of Vision 2030.

As per Ahmed al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), “Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country”.

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If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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