Saudi Arabia Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa online, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per visit within a one-year multiple-entry visa. The e-Visa costs approximately $120 (including mandatory health insurance). Saudi Arabia opened for leisure tourism in 2019 and has been actively promoting its ancient Nabataean sites, Red Sea coastline, and modern cities to international visitors.
India passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Apply at the official Saudi e-Visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). The process is fully online: fill the form, upload your passport photo and passport copy, pay the fee ($120 including medical insurance), and receive the e-Visa by email within minutes to a few hours. Carry a printed or digital copy of the e-Visa along with your passport. Women traveling solo are permitted under the tourist visa.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
India to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia's tourism push has been transformative for Indian travelers. Historically a destination mainly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims or workers, it now welcomes Indian tourists year-round. The ancient city of AlUla (Hegra/Madain Saleh) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often compared to Petra in Jordan. Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM are also attracting tourists. The country has eased many social restrictions since 2019.
Practical Tips
Pack modestly as Saudi Arabia maintains conservative dress standards in public, though rules have relaxed considerably. The Red Sea Riviera near NEOM and Jeddah's old city (Al-Balad, a UNESCO site) are top draws. Avoid travel during peak Hajj season if not on pilgrimage (dates vary yearly). English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities. The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the USD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian citizens get a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa online at visa.visitsaudi.com. The e-Visa costs approximately $120 (including mandatory medical insurance), allows multiple entries, and permits stays up to 90 days within a one-year validity. Processing is usually within a few minutes to a few hours.
Can Indian women travel solo to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia allows women of all nationalities including Indians to travel solo on a tourist visa without a male guardian (mahram). Women can drive, stay in hotels independently, and visit tourist sites freely. Dress modestly in public areas (loose clothing covering arms and legs; a headscarf is not mandatory for non-Muslim tourists but is respectful in religious sites).
What are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia for Indian tourists?
Top destinations include AlUla (ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Riyadh (National Museum, Diriyah historical district, Edge of the World cliff), Jeddah (Al-Balad UNESCO old city, Red Sea diving), Mada'in Saleh, and NEOM's Red Sea coast. The country is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030.
Are there direct flights from India to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, SaudiGulf Airlines, Flyadeal, and flynas all operate direct flights from multiple Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bangalore, Kolkata) to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Flight times range from 3 to 6 hours depending on the route.