Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia from India? Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or religious purposes, obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa is a crucial step in your travel preparations. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through different types of Saudi Arabia Visas, visa validity, Saudi Arabia Visa fees for Indian Nationals, and the process of obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa from India.

Types of Saudi Visas and Their Validity and Fees

Before we delve into the visa application process, it’s important to understand the various types of Saudi visas. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit. Here are the most common types:

1. Visit/Tourist Visa

The visit visa is intended for individuals who wish to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. This visa allows for single or multiple entries,

Validity: with validity ranging from 30 days for a single entry to 12 months for multiple entries.

Fees:

  • Single-entry visa: Valid for 30 days and allows for a single visit, ideal for short getaways. Fees start at around SAR 440 (approximately INR 8,800).
  • Multiple-entry visa: Fees range from SAR 751 to SAR 1,107 (approximately INR 15,000 to INR 22,000) depending on the duration of validity.

2. Business Visa

If you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes, such as attending conferences, and meetings, or exploring potential business opportunities, you will need a business visa.

Validity: typically ranges from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the specific purpose and sponsor details.

Fees: typically range from SAR 807 to SAR 1,107 (approximately INR 16,000 to INR 22,000) depending on the validity period and single/multiple entry options.

3. Work Visa

If you have secured employment in Saudi Arabia, your employer will sponsor your work visa. This visa allows you to work and reside in the country for a specific period, typically tied to your employment contract.

Validity: Depend Upon Employment Contract/ Sponsor.

Fees: vary based on the job contract and employer, but typically fall within the range of SAR 807 to SAR 1,107 (approximately INR 16,000 to INR 22,000).

4. Student Visa

If you have been accepted into a Saudi educational institution, you will need a student visa. This visa allows you to study in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your academic program.

Validity: Depends upon Your academic program

5. Hajj and Umrah Visa

For those embarking on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, a Hajj or Umrah visa is required. These visas are issued specifically to perform the Hajj or Umrah rituals and have specific validity dates.

Validity: the visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.

Fees: are around SAR 300 (approximately INR 6,000)

Required Documents for Saudi Arabia Visa for Indians:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date from Saudi Arabia. Ensure it has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed visa application form specific to the visa type you’re applying for (tourist, business, work, etc.).
  • Passport-size Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background. Ensure they meet the specified size and format requirements.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation, invitation letter from your host if visiting family/friends, or proof of residence if applicable.
  • Proof of Travel Health Insurance: Travel health insurance with adequate coverage for your planned trip to Saudi Arabia is mandatory.

Additional Documents (as per visa type):

  • Tourist Visa:
    • Flight itinerary or booking confirmation.
    • Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Saudi Arabia (bank statements, credit card statements).
  • Business Visa:
    • Invitation letter from your Saudi business partner or sponsor.
    • Company registration documents or other relevant business documents.
  • Work Visa:
    • Employment contract with your Saudi Arabian employer.
    • Educational certificates and professional qualifications.
    • NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your current employer (if applicable).
  • Umrah Visa:
    • Umrah pilgrimage confirmation from an authorized Umrah travel agency.
    • Vaccination certificate for meningitis.

Obtaining a Saudi Arabia Visa from India

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of Saudi visas, let’s explore the step-by-step process of obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa from India:

1. Determine the Type of Visa

Identify the purpose of your visit and determine the appropriate type of visa you need. Each visa category has specific requirements and documentation, so it’s important to choose the correct one.

2. Gather the Required Documents

Once you’ve determined the type of visa, gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes documents mentioned above, and additional documents according to your visa category.

3. Complete the Online Application

Visit the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Saudi Embassy in India to complete the online visa application form. Provide accurate and up-to-date information as requested.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

After submitting your application, you will be required to pay the visa fee. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of your stay. Ensure that you have the necessary funds available to cover the fee.

5. Schedule an Appointment

Once your application and fee payment are processed, schedule an appointment at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in India for biometric data collection and document submission. Make sure to bring all the required documents with you to the appointment.

6. Attend the Appointment

Arrive at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date and time. Present your documents, undergo biometric data collection (such as fingerprints), and answer any additional questions or provide further documentation if requested.

7. Wait for Visa Approval

After your appointment, the embassy or consulate will process your application. The processing time varies, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. Once approved, you will receive your visa stamped in your passport.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQS)

1. Where to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa?

Indian nationals applying for a Saudi Arabia visa must submit their applications directly at the embassy unless they are applying for a Hajj/Umrah visa, in which case they must go through designated Hajj agencies. For all other types of Saudi visas, the applications must be completed online, and the required documents must be submitted along with the application form to either the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi or the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai through a registered agent. You can also opt for Registered Visa agents to apply for your Visa.

2. Is the Saudi visa fee refundable?

No, In any case, the Saudi Arabia Visa fees are Non-Refundable.

3. Do I have to physically Visit the Saudi Embassy for the visa process?

You may have to visit the Saudi Embassy physically for your Biometrics. Other than that you can mail your relevant documents to Embassy Via Courrier.

Note: Always visit the official Website for the latest updates and information.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa from India may seem like a daunting process, but with careful planning and adherence to the requirements, it can be a smooth experience. Remember to determine the type of visa you need, gather the necessary documents, complete the online application, pay the visa fee, schedule an appointment, attend the appointment, and wait for visa approval. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the rich culture and history of Saudi Arabia.

Note: Always visit the official Website for the latest updates and information.

Here are some reliable sources for the latest information:

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