Saudi visa for Indians
Indian nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia should apply for the appropriate Saudi visit visa, based on the purpose of their trip to Saudi Arabia. Indian nationals are not eligible to apply online for the Saudi e-Visa and should apply for all Saudi visas at their nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office abroad.
Saudi visit visas are either issued as a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing a 30-day stay in Saudi Arabia, or as a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing a 90-day stay each visit, non-extendable.
Indian nationals who hold US, UK, or Schengen visas or residence permits can obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at a Saudi port of entry, under the condition that they travel with a Saudi national airline and their US/UK/Schengen visa is a tourist or business visa and has been used at least once before.
In order to work in Saudi Arabia, Indian nationals should apply for a Saudi work visa. Applying for the Saudi employment visa, first, requires the applicant be sponsored by a Saudi employer, who will apply for a Saudi work visa, on the Indian employee’s behalf. Indian applicants will then need to meet a set of Saudi job visa requirements, including an employment contract, invitation letter, medical screening, educational certification, among other criteria, in order to apply for the Saudi work visa.
The Saudi work visa will allow a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia, after which Indian national should apply for a Saudi residence visa, in order to work and live long-term in Saudi Arabia.
Please note that Saudi embassies do not accept Saudi Hajj & Umrah visa applications. The Saudi Hajj & Umrah visa can only be applied for through Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah authorized travel agencies.
Table of contents
Saudi visa requirements
Indian citizens should prepare the following documents required for the various Saudi Arabia visa types.
Passport
Applicant must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Passport must have at least 2 successive blank pages for official use.
Personal photos
Recent color photographs; against a white background; 2x2 inches; natural facial expressions; 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.
Application
Applicant should fill out the relevant Saudi visa application form for the Saudi visa being applied for, through the Saudi MOFA portal.
How to apply for a Saudi visa for Indians
Complete visa application
Fill out the online Saudi visa application form at the Saudi MOFA portal, complete with your personal data and other requested information. Print the Saudi visa application form, sign it where necessary, and affix your personal photos.
Pay visa fees
Pay the Saudi visa fees securely online at the Saudi MOFA portal, using a valid credit or debit card.
Submit visa application
Mail or visit your nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office abroad to submit your Saudi visa application and required documents.
Receive approved visa
If approved, your Saudi visa will be mailed to you or can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office where you applied. Check that all the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.
Applying for certain Saudi visas may involve steps not listed in the above general Saudi visa application process. It is advised to review the information for the specific Saudi visa you are applying for.
Processing time
Visa extension
Most Saudi visas cannot be extended. Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia on short-term Saudi visit visas can stay a maximum of 90 days during any visit. For longer-term activities, such as employment and study, Indian foreign nationals should apply for a Saudi residence visa.
Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia
The Embassy of India is located in B-1, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia. The India Embassy in Saudi Arabia can be reached at telephone number +966 11 488 4144.
Working hours are Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5:30pm, The India Embassy in Saudi Arabia is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and all major India and Saudi Arabia public holidays.
Saudi visa FAQ
Can I apply for a Saudi e-Visa?
The Saudi tourist e-Visa is offered to foreign nationals from 49 countries and to GCC residents wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism activities, including Umrah, except during Hajj season. Indian nationals are not on the list of 49 countries. If you are an Indian national, who is also a GCC resident, who has an eligible occupation and a residency visa valid for at least 3 months, can apply online for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa.
How can I work in Saudi Arabia?
If you are an Indian citizen wishing to work in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for a Saudi work visa, provided you have received a valid job offer and a signed employment contract from a Saudi employer. You will also be asked to provide personal information and undergo medical screening, among other requirements.