Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Guide
Until early 2019, tourism in Saudi Arabia was predominantly religious-based. However, the introduction of the Saudi Arabia tourist visa has opened up exciting opportunities for travelers. With its rich historical sites, stunning Red Sea diving spots, museums, and more, the country is ready to be explored. While the Saudi tourist visa is available as an e-visa or visa on arrival for 49 countries, Indian travelers currently need to apply offline.
What is the Saudi Tourist Visa? The tourist visa is an endorsement that allows individuals to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. This visa is issued as a multiple-entry permit, valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. Currently, Indian travelers must apply for the Saudi Arabia tourist visa through an embassy or consulate. However, in the coming years, an e-visa or visa on arrival option may become available for Indian tourists.
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa? Applying for a Saudi tourist visa is a unique process that cannot be done directly at the embassy or consulate. Instead, you must go through an authorized agency. Here are the steps to apply for the Saudi tourist visa:
- Visit an authorized Saudi embassy agency.
- Complete the tourist visa application form.
- Submit your documents to the agency.
- The agency will forward your application to the Saudi embassy/consulate in India.
Please note that you cannot submit your application directly to the embassy. It must go through an authorized agency.
Eligibility for Saudi Tourist Visa To be eligible for a tourist visa, you must meet certain criteria:
- Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Saudi Arabia.
- Have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
- Be at least 18 years old; if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Your sole purpose of visiting Saudi Arabia must be tourism.
Documents Required for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa The Saudi Arabia tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens include the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Two photos meeting specified specifications.
- Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
- Round-trip flight tickets.
- If employed, an employee letter from your Indian company.
- Bank statements from the last three months.
- A complete travel itinerary.
Saudi Visa Photo Size Requirements As per Saudi Arabia tourist visa photo requirements, the following specifications must be met:
- Recent photos taken within the last 3 months.
- Colored photos with a white background.
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
- Face should cover 80% of the photo.
- Neutral facial expression.
- Head should be centered.
- Eyeglasses are not permitted.
- Headwear is allowed for religious reasons only.
Processing Time for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa The processing time for your application depends on the volume of applications at the embassy. Generally, Saudi visas are processed quickly, and you can expect to receive your processed visa within 2 working days after submission. It is advisable to apply at least a week in advance to ensure timely processing.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Fees The Saudi tourist visa fees for Indian citizens include the application fee and insurance charges, which vary based on age. Additionally, there may be service charges imposed by authorized agencies and delivery fees. It is essential to check the exact fee amounts before starting the application.
After Submission Once you have submitted your application to an authorized agency, it will be forwarded to the embassy/consulate for processing. During this time, you cannot withdraw or modify your application. Ensure that you provide accurate information and submit the required documents, as providing false information or fake documentation may result in visa rejection.
How to Check Visa Status? Since the application process is offline, tracking the visa status is generally not possible. However, due to the short processing time, checking the status is often unnecessary. If you require assistance or more information, you can contact the travel agency through which you applied. Note that for e-visa applications from outside India, online tracking is available through the portal.
When You Have the Visa Once you receive your tourist permit, keep the following key points in mind to ensure a safe and smooth trip:
Before Traveling:
Familiarize yourself with the visa’s validity, stay duration, and number of entries allowed.
Ensure you have all necessary travel documents.
At the Border: Present your documents to border control officers upon entry. Your entry is subject to their approval.
Within the Country:
- Do not engage in any work activities.
- Carry copies of your passport and visa at all times.
- Note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
- Respect Saudi Arabia’s strict laws regarding dress codes, public behavior, alcohol, etc.
- Depart the country on or before your visa’s expiry date or the end of your permitted stay duration, whichever comes first, to avoid fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Saudi tourist permit cannot be extended. Saudi Arabia has strict rules regarding visas, and attempting to extend your stay is not allowed. This applies to e-visas as well. However, certain long-term visa categories may be extendable under specific conditions.
No, a medical test is not required for a Saudi tourist permit. Medical tests are mandatory for work permits and some other categories. However, for your safety and the well-being of the country’s citizens, it is advisable to undergo a medical check-up before traveling.
No, it is strictly prohibited and not possible to convert a tourist permit into a work permit in Saudi Arabia. You are not allowed to work while on a tourist permit. If you intend to work in Saudi Arabia, you must apply for a work permit from your home country.
While there are no mandatory requirements regarding the amount of funds needed, you must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country. Your bank statements should also show regular transactions, without any unusual or suspicious financial activity.
Saudi tourist visas are typically processed quickly, with most applications processed within 2 working days. In exceptional cases, processing may take slightly longer. To ensure you receive your visa in time for your flight, it is advisable to apply at least one to two weeks in advance.
Yes, if you are a Muslim traveler, you can use a tourist visa to enter the cities of Mecca and Medina. However, these cities have restricted access for travelers from other visa categories. If your purpose is Hajj or Umrah, you should apply for the specific Hajj or Umrah visa instead of a regular tourist visa.