Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Indians 2026: Your Complete Guide to Visiting Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting new destinations for Indian tourists, opening its doors to international visitors in 2019 and continuously simplifying its visa processes since then. The Kingdom offers Indian travellers a unique blend of ancient heritage, ultra-modern cities, and natural wonders along the Red Sea. Because Saudi Arabia has its own independent visa system — it is not part of any visa-free bloc — all Indian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling. Before you dive into the detailed sections below, the table here gives you a snapshot of the essentials.

Saudi Arabia is the most exciting new frontier for Indian travellers — and here is why it is capturing the imagination of tourists from India.

Ancient history that rivals the world's great civilisations. AlUla's Hegra (Madain Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage site, features remarkably preserved Nabatean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs — think Petra without the crowds. Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the Saudi state, offers a journey back to 18th-century Arabian architecture.

Ultra-modern marvels. Riyadh's Kingdom Centre Tower, the futuristic Jeddah skyline, and the mind-bending $500-billion NEOM project showcase Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision for the future. The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh looks like something from a sci-fi film.

The Red Sea coast is world-class. Saudi Arabia has 1,800 km of pristine Red Sea coastline with some of the best diving and snorkelling on earth. The Red Sea Project, a luxury archipelago destination, is opening new resorts that rival the Maldives.

Indian food, culture, and community. Saudi Arabia is home to nearly 2.5 million Indians, one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world. Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural centres are found in every major city. You will find familiar flavours everywhere — from Kerala parottas in Jeddah to Hyderabadi biryani in Riyadh.

Spiritual and cultural connection. For Indian Muslims, Saudi Arabia is the destination of a lifetime — home to Makkah and Madinah. The Umrah eVisa is available year-round (outside Hajj season), and the new tourist eVisa also permits Umrah during non-Hajj periods.

Visa simplicity and speed. The new instant eVisa platform (launched November 2025) processes eligible applications in as little as one minute — faster than almost any other country. If you already hold a US, UK, or Schengen visa, the entire process is fully online with no embassy visit required.

Saudi Arabia issues several categories of visa to Indian nationals, and choosing the correct one depends on the purpose of your visit and your travel history. The category determines where you apply, what documents you need, and how long processing takes.

For tourism, leisure, and family visits, the standard tourist eVisa (also called the KSA Visa) is the fastest option — but only if you hold a qualifying visa. If you do not, the sticker visa through VFS Tasheel or the new Package Visa are your alternatives.

For a complete breakdown of business visas, work visas (Iqama), and family/dependent visas, see our [main Saudi Arabia visa guide](https://btwvisas.com/visa-guide/saudi-arabia-visa/).

Before you spend time and money on an application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa. The requirements differ significantly depending on which path you take.

For the Tourist eVisa (Instant Online):

Indian passport holders are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

·        You hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen tourist or business visa that has been used at least once (you have entered that country on that visa)

·        You hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen residence permit

·        You hold a valid GCC residence visa (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) with at least 3 months' validity remaining

·        You are travelling on an airline-issued stopover visa (Saudia or flynas, up to 96 hours)

For the Sticker Tourist Visa (VFS Tasheel / Embassy):

Open to all Indian passport holders regardless of travel history. You are eligible to apply if:

·        You hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months' validity from the date of entry

·        You are travelling for tourism, leisure, or family visits

·        You can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your stay

·        You have no prior immigration violations in Saudi Arabia

General Eligibility (Both Paths):

·        Minimum age: 18 years (minors can apply under a parent's sponsorship)

·        Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Saudi Arabia

·        At least two blank pages in the passport

·        Clear travel purpose aligned with tourism

·        No criminal record or previous Saudi visa violations

·        Intention to return to India after the visit

There is no visa on arrival for Indian nationals under normal circumstances. Limited exceptions exist only for those arriving on Saudi national carriers (Saudia or flynas) who hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa used at least once.

Your documents are the heart of your application. The Saudi eVisa is fully online with minimal document uploads, while the sticker visa requires a full paper application through VFS Tasheel. The table below lists the documents for both paths.

Tourist eVisa (Online Only — Minimal Documents)

Prepare the following digital files for upload to the Saudi eVisa portal:

1.      Valid Indian passport scan (bio-page) — minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages

2.      Recent colour passport-size photograph (white background, full face, JPEG format)

3.      Scan of valid US, UK, or Schengen visa or residence permit (the document you are using to qualify)

4.      Confirmed return flight itinerary (recommended — not mandatory for eVisa but strongly advised)

5.      Hotel booking or address of stay in Saudi Arabia (recommended)

6.      Valid email ID (the eVisa is delivered electronically)

7.      International debit or credit card for fee payment (Visa or MasterCard)

Sticker Tourist Visa (VFS Tasheel — Full Documentation)

Apply through VFS Tasheel with the following documents:

8.      Completed and signed Saudi visa application form

9.      Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 35mm x 45mm)

10.   Original passport with minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages

11.   Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary

12.   Confirmed hotel reservations for the entire stay

13.   Personal bank statements for the last 3–6 months, bank-stamped

14.   Income tax returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 assessment years

15.   Employment letter or NOC on company letterhead (position, salary, leave approval)

16.   Salary slips for the last 3 months

17.   Travel medical insurance (mandatory for sticker visa)

18.   Cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit and itinerary

A few documents trip up applicants more often than others. The table below summarises the requirements that are most frequently failed:

Pro tip: For the eVisa, document scans must be under 2 MB each in JPEG or PDF format. Poor quality scans (blurred, cropped, or partial images) are the most common reason for eVisa rejection. For the exact document specifications, [refer to the Saudi Arabia visa requirements page](https://btwvisas.com/visa-requirements/saudi-arabia-visa-requirements/).

Every Saudi Arabia tourist visa application carries the visa fee, mandatory health insurance, and applicable service charges. The costs vary depending on which visa path you choose.

Additional optional costs:

·        Courier return of passport: ₹500–₹800

·        Premium lounge access at VFS: ₹3,500–₹4,700

·        Document translation (if applicable): ₹500–₹1,000

All visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or refused. The eVisa fee includes mandatory health insurance — you do not need to purchase a separate policy.

Because the SAR fees are converted to rupees at the exchange rate prevailing on the day of payment, the rupee figures above are indicative. Always confirm the current amounts on the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying.

Saudi Arabia offers multiple application channels depending on the visa type you are eligible for.

For the Tourist eVisa:

Apply entirely online at the official Saudi eVisa portal: [visa.visitsaudi.com](https://visa.visitsaudi.com/). No embassy visit, no VFS appointment, no biometrics — the entire process is completed from your phone or computer.

For the Sticker Tourist Visa:

Applications are submitted through VFS Tasheel, the official visa service provider for Saudi Arabia in India. VFS Tasheel operates centres in the following cities:

All sticker visa applications are forwarded to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai for processing. Appointment availability at VFS centres can be tight during peak seasons, so book your slot as early as possible.

For the Package Visa (New — July 2026):

Apply through approved travel providers — currently Almosafer and Reserval. The package must include confirmed flight + hotel + tourist activities and be booked at least 48 hours before departure. Hotels must meet the minimum four-star requirement.

Applying for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa differs depending on your eligibility. The process below covers both the eVisa route (for qualifying travellers) and the sticker visa route (for all Indian passport holders).

eVisa Route (Instant Online — For US/UK/Schengen Visa Holders):

Step 1: Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal

Go to visa.visitsaudi.com and click "Apply Now". Select your nationality (India) and confirm your qualifying visa type (US, UK, or Schengen).

Step 2: Fill in your application

Enter your personal details — full name, date of birth, passport number, and travel information. Every detail must match your passport exactly.

Step 3: Upload your documents

Upload a scan of your passport bio-page, a recent passport photo (white background), and a scan of your qualifying US/UK/Schengen visa. Ensure all scans are clear and under 2 MB.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee

Pay the SAR 535 fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. The fee includes the SAR 300 visa fee, SAR 180 mandatory health insurance, and SAR 15 VAT.

Step 5: Receive your eVisa

Approved applications are processed instantly through the new KSA Visa platform. Most applicants receive their eVisa via email within 1 minute to 1 hour. Print the eVisa and carry it along with your passport when travelling.

Sticker Visa Route (VFS Tasheel — For All Indian Passport Holders):

Step 1: Gather your documents

Collect all the documents listed in the Documents Required section. Every document must be complete and consistent with the others.

Step 2: Book a VFS Tasheel appointment

Visit the VFS Tasheel Saudi Arabia portal, create an account, and book an appointment at the centre closest to you. Appointments are mandatory — walk-ins are not accepted.

Step 3: Attend your appointment

Arrive at the VFS centre at your scheduled time. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee and service charges, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

Step 4: Wait for processing

Your application is forwarded to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for a decision. Standard processing takes 5–14 working days. Use the reference number on your receipt to track the status online.

Step 5: Collect your passport

When a decision is made, collect your passport in person or opt for courier delivery. If approved, check the visa sticker carefully — confirm your name, validity dates, and number of entries.

Despite the speed of the eVisa system, always apply at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow buffer time for any document resubmission or system delays. The sticker visa route requires more time, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

Applications for the eVisa can be submitted up to 90 days before your intended travel date. You should never book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa has been approved.

Applicants often confuse the validity of the visa with the permitted duration of stay. The table below clarifies each term for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa.

For example, the tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. You may enter Saudi Arabia multiple times within that year, staying up to 90 days on each visit. However, your total cumulative stay in any 12-month period should not exceed 180 days.

The sticker visa (issued through VFS Tasheel) is typically a single-entry visa valid for 30 days from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

Count your days meticulously. Overstaying — even by a day — can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on future travel to Saudi Arabia.

Demonstrating that you can fund your trip is a standard requirement for any Saudi visa application. For the eVisa, the financial check is minimal, but for the sticker visa, you must provide detailed bank statements showing a consistent balance.

If someone else is funding your trip — a family member or employer — you must document the sponsorship clearly, including the sponsor's financial proofs and a signed letter confirming their willingness to cover your expenses.

Saudi Arabia Trip Cost: Daily Expenses in INR

Note: These are daily expenses excluding flights and visa fees.

Sample Trip Prices from India

All estimates include round-trip flights from India, accommodation, food, local transport, activities, visa fee, and travel insurance.

Flights from India to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is well-connected to India with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kochi to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Flight times are just 4–6 hours, making Saudi Arabia one of the closest international destinations from India.

Saudi Arabia visa refusals are almost always traceable to a handful of preventable errors. Understanding these in advance is your best defence against a rejected application.

·        Not having a qualifying visa. The most common reason for eVisa rejection: you applied for the eVisa but do not hold a valid and previously used US, UK, or Schengen visa. If you do not qualify for the eVisa, apply for the sticker visa instead.

·        Expired or unused qualifying visa. Your US/UK/Schengen visa must be valid at the time of application and must have been used at least once (entry stamp required). An unused visa will not qualify.

·        Passport validity below 6 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Applications with less than 6 months are automatically rejected.

·        Poor quality document scans. Blurred, cropped, or partial scans of your passport or qualifying visa are a common trigger for eVisa rejection. All uploads must be clear and complete.

·        Mismatched personal details. Any discrepancy between your application form and your passport — name spelling, date of birth, passport number — will result in rejection. Double-check every field before submitting.

·        Insufficient or inconsistent financial proof. For sticker visa applicants, bank statements showing low balances, irregular deposits, or a sudden large deposit before applying are red flags.

·        Previous Saudi visa overstays. Any overstay in Saudi Arabia — even by a single day — is recorded and will result in automatic rejection of future applications.

·        Incomplete photo requirements. Face not clearly visible, glasses in the photo, coloured background, or headwear (other than religious headwear consistent with passport photo) will cause rejection.

The Saudi eVisa system is automated and does not allow for clarifications or follow-ups. If your application is rejected, you must identify the issue, correct it, and reapply. The visa fee is non-refundable in either case.

Beyond the visa process, here is what makes Saudi Arabia an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers.

·        AlUla and Hegra (Madain Saleh) — Saudi Arabia's crown jewel. The Nabatean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs at Hegra are a UNESCO World Heritage site, often compared to Petra but with far fewer crowds. The surrounding desert landscape is otherworldly.

·        Riyadh's modern marvels — Kingdom Centre Tower with its skybridge, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, the historic Masmak Fortress, and the vast Edge of the World escarpment just outside the city.

·        Jeddah's Red Sea charm — the historic Al-Balad district with its coral houses and souks, the stunning King Fahd Fountain (the world's tallest), and world-class diving in the Red Sea.

·        The Red Sea coast — pristine beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts. The Red Sea Project is opening some of the most exclusive beach resorts in the world, rivaling the Maldives.

·        Saudi Arabian food — Kabsa (spiced rice with meat), Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice), Mutabbaq (stuffed pancake), and fresh seafood along the coast. Indian restaurants are everywhere in Riyadh and Jeddah.

·        Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) — the largest continuous sand desert on earth. A desert safari into these endless red dunes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Saudi Arabia Travel Tips for Indian Tourists

·        Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 SAR ≈ ₹22.5. Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for souks and smaller shops

·        SIM card: Buy a local eSIM or physical SIM at the airport (STC, Mobily, or Zain from SAR 30–50)

·        Dress code: Modest dress required — cover shoulders and knees. Women are not required to wear an abaya but should dress modestly in public

·        Getting around: Uber and Careem operate in all major cities. The Riyadh Metro is partially operational. Trains connect Riyadh, Dammam, and Hofuf

·        Food: Indian restaurants are abundant. Halal food is universal. Alcohol is strictly prohibited

·        Weather: Summers (May–September) are extremely hot (40–50°C). Best months: November–February (15–25°C)

·        Weekend: Friday–Saturday is the weekend in Saudi Arabia. Government offices are closed on Fridays

7-Day Saudi Arabia Itinerary: Riyadh & AlUla Discovery

10-Day Saudi Arabia Itinerary: Riyadh, AlUla & Jeddah

Beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements, a few habits and precautions can meaningfully improve your chances and make the whole process less stressful.

·        Confirm your eligibility first. Before starting an eVisa application, verify that your US/UK/Schengen visa is valid and has been used at least once. If you are not sure, apply for the sticker visa instead — a rejected eVisa still costs the non-refundable fee.

·        Scan documents carefully. For the eVisa, use a scanner or a well-lit phone camera. Blurred, cropped, or partial scans are the most common reason for rejection. Keep each file under 2 MB in JPEG or PDF format.

·        Double-check your personal details. Every field on your application must match your passport exactly — name spelling, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date. Even a single character error will cause rejection.

·        Maintain a consistent bank balance. If applying for the sticker visa, ensure your bank statement shows a steady, consistent balance over 3–6 months. A sudden large deposit before applying will raise questions.

·        Apply with adequate buffer time. The eVisa is instant, but apply at least 2 weeks before travel. The sticker visa needs 4–6 weeks. Last-minute applications are the most common cause of missed trips.

·        Book refundable flights and hotels. Never purchase non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved. Use flexible or refundable booking options.

·        Enable international transactions on your card. Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards are the only accepted payment methods for the eVisa. Ensure international transactions are enabled before starting the application.

·        Keep a copy of your eVisa on your phone. Saudi immigration accepts digital copies of the eVisa. Save a PDF on your phone as a backup, even if you carry a printed copy.

Above all, be honest and accurate. The Saudi eVisa system is automated and cross-checks your details against government databases. A truthful, complete application with clear, legible documents is your best guarantee of approval.

Saudi Arabia offers Indian travellers an unforgettable journey into ancient history, modern marvels, and Red Sea luxury — all just a 4–6 hour flight from India. With an instant eVisa for qualified travellers and straightforward sticker visa for all Indian passport holders, the Kingdom has never been more accessible.

Next steps:

19.   Check if you qualify for the eVisa (valid US/UK/Schengen visa used at least once)

20.   Confirm passport validity (6+ months from entry date)

21.   If eligible, apply at visa.visitsaudi.com — if not, book VFS Tasheel appointment

22.   Book flights and hotels (refundable until visa approval)

23.   Pack modest clothing and prepare for an unforgettable Arabian adventure

For a complete overview of all visa types, embassy procedures, and detailed document specifications, [refer to our main Saudi Arabia visa guide](https://btwvisas.com/visa-guide/saudi-arabia-visa/).

*Editor's Note: This guide was written by the BTWVisas editorial team. Information is verified against official sources as of July 10, 2026 — including the Saudi Ministry of Tourism (visa.visitsaudi.com), the KSA Visa platform, VFS Tasheel Saudi Arabia, and XE currency exchange rates. Visa fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always verify with official sources before applying. BTWVisas is an independent visa information resource and is not affiliated with the Saudi government or any Saudi authority.*