Travelling to Saudi Arabia

Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia can avail Business Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa, Family Visit Visa, Religious Visa and Work Visa, depending upon the purpose of visit. Nationals of all the countries, except Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates, require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. Special regulations with regards to visa apply to pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia.

Indian nationals require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. For tourist travel, visa is not issued by the country. Visitors can only apply for business and work visa, along with transit and religious visas. Only for approved tour groups following organised itineraries, tourist visa is issued.

In case the applicant is applying for the visa by post, at least 1 week is required. Otherwise, at least 24 hours are required for the issuance of the visa. It takes 4-7 business days to process a Business Visa.

The fee for Family Visit Visa is $63.82 and for Business and Work Visa is $16.36. Visa fee for multiple entry is $157.10, for residency is $16.36 and for transit is $16.36. Validity begins from the first day of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Documents required for Visa to Saudi Arabia:
For applying for a business visa, an Indian citizen needs to submit the original, signed passport valid for six months beyond stay in Saudi Arabia, with at least two adjacent blank visa pages available.

They also need to submit the Saudi Arabia visa application form, properly completed and signed and one recent 2 x 2 passport type photograph, in colour. A letter from the employer or sponsoring company and proof of departure are also required. The business visa is generally processed within 4 to 7 business days.

To apply for a Tourist Visa, Indian visitors need to possess sponsorship in the country. Granted only to selected groups on a limited basis, the visa is issued to those having a valid passport with at least six months validity, in addition to a confirmed return ticket and a recent passport size colour photograph with a white background.

Applicants also need to submit a completed application form filled-out with a black ink pen or printed. The processing time for this visa is at least 24-hours, if applied in person.

For more information, please contact:
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
No - 2, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar,
New Delhi - 110 057
Tele: +91-11-2614-4102
         +91-11-2614-4093
         +91-11-2614-4073
         +91-11-2614-4083
Fax: +91-11-2614-4201
        +91-11-2614-4244

Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia
Maker Tower 'F', 4th Floor, Cuffe Parade
Mumbai - 400 005
Tele: +91-22-2218-1598
         +91-22-2218-7765
         +91-22-2218-7725
         +91-22-2218-2619
Fax: +91-22-2218 0193