Saudi Arabia extends an invitation to Indian travelers with an array of new tourist visa options, including stopover visas, eVisa services, and visa-on-arrival. These new guidelines aim to make it easier for Indian visitors to explore the vibrant cityscape of Riyadh, the cultural richness of Jeddah, the hidden treasures of the Red Sea, and the ancient marvels of AlUla. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, targeting India as a key source market with an aim to welcome 7.5 million Indian travelers by 2030 and double visitor numbers to 2.2 million by the end of 2024.
Stopover Visa :
Indian travelers can apply for a Stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, 90 days in advance on the Saudia airline website for a nominal fee covering administration and insurance services.
eVisa :
Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the USA, UK, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry, are eligible for the eVisa. Permanent residents of these countries or individuals with a valid residence visa from a GCC country with a minimum validity of three months beyond the entry date into Saudi Arabia can also apply. The eVisa can be obtained through the official portal before departure.
Visa-on-Arrival :
Travelers who possess a valid tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or Schengen countries, along with entry stamps, are eligible for a visa on arrival at Saudi international airports. Additionally, individuals with permanent residency in these countries can obtain a visa at self-service kiosks or passport control offices upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
For those not eligible under these criteria, visas can be obtained through Tasheer Centres across India, which handle document preparation, appointment booking, application submission, biometric enrollment, and passport collection.
These visa options are also valid for those wishing to perform Umrah. Note that the Stopover visa, eVisa, and Visa-on-Arrival come with conditional eligibility and are not valid for all travelers.
At present, there are ten visa facilitation centers located in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Calicut. Plans are underway to establish additional dedicated centers in more cities.
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