Tourism in Saudi Arabia until early 2019 has been majorly religious based. However, with the introduction of the Saudi Arabia tourist visa, this is set to change. With its amazing historical sites, red sea diving, museums, and much more, this country is waiting to be explored. Although the Saudi tourist visa is available as an e-visa and visa on arrival for 49 countries, the Saudi Arabia tourist visa for Indians is in the offline form.
The tourist permit is an endorsement that lets people enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to engage in tourism activities. The visa is issued as a multiple-entry time and will be valid for 1 year with a maximum stay duration of 90 days. The Saudi Arabia tourist visa from India has to be made through an embassy or consulate. However, in the following years, the Saudi tourist visa from India may even be issued as an e-visa or visa on arrival.
The application for the tourist permit is done in a unique way. You will not be able to apply for it directly at the embassy or consulate. Although, currently 49 nationalities can simply use an online portal and apply for an e-visa. Before starting an application for the Saudi tourist visa for Indian citizens, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel on the tourist permit. You can then apply as per the following -
Note:- You cannot directly approach the embassy for your application.
To be able to apply for the tourist permit, you must be eligible for it. In order to do so, you must meet the following conditions -
As per the Saudi Arabia tourist visa requirements from India, you must need the following documents for your applications -
As per the Saudi Arabia tourist visa photo requirements, the following are the photo specifications required -
The time for processing the application usually depends on the volume of applications at the embassy. Normally, Saudi permits are processed fast. As a result, in most cases, you can receive the processed visa within 2 working days after the submission. Therefore, ensure that you apply at least a week in advance.
The Saudi tourist visa fees for Indian citizens include the application fee as well as the insurance charges that vary according to the age. Apart from this, there may be service charges for the authorized agencies as well as any additional delivery charges, etc. As a result, check the exact amount before starting the application.
Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Entry Tourist Visa - Normal | 30 days | 3 months | 16500.0 |
visit Single entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 16000.0 |
Once you have submitted the application at the authorized agencies, they will then forward them to the embassy/consulate for processing. In the meanwhile, you will not be able to withdraw or modify the application. As a result, ensure that you provide correct information and the right documents. Providing fake information or false documentation can lead to visa rejection.
Since the mode of application is offline, it is generally not possible to track the visa status. Also, the processing time being short has also made it unnecessary to check the status. In case you require any additional help or if you need more information, you can contact the travel agency you applied through.
Note:- In case of e-visa applications from outside India, you may track it online through the portal.
Once you have received your tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a safe and sound trip-
Before travelling
At the border
In the country
It is not possible to extend the Saudi tourist permit. The country is strict on rules regarding the visas. As a result, you must leave the country without attempting to extend. This applies for the e-visa as well. Although, other long term categories may be extended in certain conditions.
There is no medical test requirements for the Saudi tourist permit. The medical tests are only mandatory for work permits and other categories. However, in order to keep the citizens in the country as well as yourself safe, it is highly recommended that you get a medical check-up done before travelling.
No, it is strictly not permitted or possible to convert the tourist permit into a work permit. Also, you are not allowed to work while you are on this category. In case you require to work, you must apply for the work permit once you are back in your home country.
As per the regulations, there is no mandatory requirements regarding the number of funds needed. The embassy requires that you possess enough funds to sustain your stay in the country. The bank statements also need to show steady transactions. Ensure that you do not have any unusual funds flowing in.
The Saudi tourist category is issued within a few days itself. In extreme cases, it may take slightly longer. As a result, if you apply for it a week or two in advance, you will most likely receive the visa in time for your flight.
Yes, the tourist visa can be used to enter the cities of Mecca and Medina for travellers belonging to the Muslim religion. However, the cities are restricted to people from other categories. If you are visiting the country for Hajj or Umrah, you must apply for the Hajj visa or Umrah visa instead of the regular tourist visa