Saudi Arabia entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. Currently, you can apply for a tourist, business, or Hajj/Umrah visa. You must apply in advance through official channels – there's no visa on arrival for Indians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa Apply online before travel | You need a tourist eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia. Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com — the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $135 USD, which includes mandatory medical insurance. The eVisa is valid for 90 days, multiple entry, and covers tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), and short business visits.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Indian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Jeddah or Riyadh will deny entry if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this at passport control in all Saudi airports. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Saudi Arabia. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're traveling solo or on a first visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's safer to have a printout or digital copy accessible. | Recommended |
Avoid unofficial agents – use only licensed intermediaries
Numerous scam operators promise guaranteed visas. Only apply through the official Saudi embassy/consulate or through agents registered with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism (Tourist Visa Service Providers list).
Umrah/Hajj visas have special rules
For religious visits, you must travel with a group under a licensed Hajj or Umrah operator. These visas are strictly for pilgrimage and do not allow work or independent travel. Also, the visa expires immediately after the pilgrimage period.
What happens at the border
1
Decide Your Visa Type
Choose the visa that matches your purpose: tourist (leisure), business (needs an invitation letter from a Saudi company), or Hajj/Umrah (must go through a licensed operator). Check the official Saudi visa portal for the latest categories.
2
Gather Required Documents
Collect your passport, photos, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, insurance, and any supporting letters. Make copies of everything. Use the checklist below to avoid missing anything.
3
Submit Application
Submit the completed form and all documents to the Saudi embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) or through a registered visa agent. Some visa types allow online submission via the official 'Visa Saudi' portal. For in-person submissions, you may need to book an appointment.
4
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the exact fee using the method specified (bank draft or online payment). Keep the payment receipt – you'll need it to track your application. Fees are non‑refundable.
5
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 5–10 working days, but it can take 2–3 weeks during peak seasons (e.g., before Ramadan or Hajj). Use the reference number to track your application status online if available.
6
Collect Your Visa
Once approved, you'll get either a visa sticker in your passport or an eVisa printout. Double-check the dates and personal details. If it's an eVisa, carry a printed copy with your passport at all times.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 535 (~USD 143)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,070 (~USD 285)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~USD 213)
Requires invitation from Saudi sponsor; may be extended.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Human Resources.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For students accepted at a Saudi educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (based on investment)
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | SAR 535 (~USD 143) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days, with 30-day stays per entry. | SAR 1,070 (~USD 285) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity; maximum cap applies. | SAR 100 (~USD 27) per day, max SAR 1,000 (~USD 267) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders need a transit visa to leave the airport or stay overnight. For airside transits under 12 hours, no visa is needed if staying in the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may obtain a visa on arrival for transit.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southern region (Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh 11187
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Jeddah 22233
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Indian nationals. You must obtain a visa in advance from a Saudi embassy/consulate or through an authorized agent.
As of 2025, the tourist visa fee is approximately SAR 440 (roughly ₹9,500) plus a processing fee if using an agency. Business visas cost more (SAR 2,000+). Always check the current exchange rate and additional service charges.
No. Most Saudi visas, including tourist and business visas, are not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date. Overstaying results in fines of up to SAR 100 per day.
For a tourist visa, no sponsor is needed – you can apply independently. For a business visa, a Saudi-based company must provide an official invitation letter. For Hajj/Umrah, you must go through a licensed operator.
Standard processing takes 5 to 10 working days. During peak seasons (Umrah in Ramadan or pre‑Hajj), it can take 2–3 weeks. Applying through a reputable travel agent often speeds things up.
Yes, for tourist visas. Saudi Arabia launched the online 'Visa Saudi' system. You can apply, pay, and download an eVisa. However, some documents still need to be uploaded. Business and work visas usually require in‑person submissions.
Yes. Saudi immigration commonly asks for proof of onward travel. It is mandatory to have a return or onward ticket before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.