Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Visitor Visa Overview

Visa type: Visitor or tourist visa

Entry type: Single or multiple entry, depending on the visa issued

Purpose of travel: Tourism, leisure, events, visiting family or friends, and Umrah, excluding Hajj

Visa validity: As mentioned on the approved visa

Permitted stay: As mentioned on the approved visa

Visa format: Electronic visa or stamped visa, depending on the applicant’s eligibility

Extension: Subject to the visa category and approval of Saudi authorities

Employment permitted: No

Eligible Saudi tourist eVisas are normally valid for one year with multiple entries and allow a maximum stay of up to 90 days. The visa cannot be used for employment, studying, or performing Hajj.

Who May Be Eligible for a Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival?

An Indian passport holder may be eligible under special conditions when the applicant:

• Holds a valid and eligible tourist or business visa issued by the United Kingdom, United States, or a Schengen country.
• Is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom, United States, or a European Union country.
• Is a legal resident of a Gulf Cooperation Council country.
• Meets all additional conditions displayed on the official Saudi visa portal.

Eligibility must be checked before travelling because possessing a foreign visa or residence permit does not automatically guarantee visa approval or entry into Saudi Arabia.

Required Documents for a Saudi Arabia Visitor Visa

Applicants may be required to provide the following documents:

1. Valid passport
2. The passport should normally remain valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
3. Recent passport-size photograph
4. A recent colour photograph with a plain white background must be provided according to the specified photograph requirements.
5. Completed visa application form
6. All information must match the applicant’s passport and supporting documents.
7. Passport copy
8. A clear copy of the passport’s personal information page.
9. Confirmed accommodation details
10. Hotel reservation, host accommodation details, or an invitation from the person residing in Saudi Arabia.
11. Return flight reservation
12. Proof of onward or return travel may be requested.
13. Travel itinerary
14. Details of the cities, attractions, events, or family visits planned during the trip.
15. Bank statements
16. Recent personal bank statements demonstrating that the applicant can financially support the trip.
17. Employment or business proof
18. This may include an employment letter, leave approval, salary slips, business registration documents, or other proof of occupation.
19. Invitation documents, where applicable
20. Applicants visiting relatives or friends may need an approved invitation, the host’s Saudi residency permit or identification, passport copy, and proof of relationship.
21. Travel medical insurance
22. Saudi-approved medical insurance may be issued or selected as part of the visa application process.
23. Additional eligibility documents
24. Applicants applying based on a UK, US, Schengen, EU, or GCC status must provide copies of the relevant visa or residence permit.

Document requirements can vary according to the visa category, applicant profile, nationality, purpose of travel, and instructions issued by the Saudi authorities.

Saudi Arabia Visitor Visa Application Process

1. Determine whether you qualify for an eVisa, visa on arrival, or regular visitor visa.
2. Complete the application through the official Saudi visa platform.
3. Upload or submit the required supporting documents.
4. Select the appropriate medical insurance, where applicable.
5. Pay the government visa fee and service-centre charges.
6. Attend the authorised visa service centre or embassy if passport submission or biometric enrolment is required.
7. Wait for the Saudi authorities to process the application.
8. Check the approved visa carefully before travelling.

Applicants should ensure that their name, passport number, date of birth, visa validity, entry type, and permitted duration of stay are correct.

Important Conditions

• A visitor visa cannot be used to undertake paid employment in Saudi Arabia.
• Tourist visa holders may perform Umrah, subject to current Saudi regulations, but cannot perform Hajj using a tourist visa.
• Travellers must enter using the same passport used for the visa application.
• Visitors must comply with Saudi laws, immigration rules, and local customs.
• Visa approval does not automatically guarantee entry; the final decision is made by Saudi immigration officials at the port of entry.
• Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or restrictions on future travel.
• Visa and government fees may be non-refundable even when an application is refused.