India Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals are eligible for India's e-Visa program, allowing stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The e-Visa costs $25 and is applied for entirely online. Processing takes 72 to 96 hours. India is a significant destination for Saudi Arabia's large Indian diaspora communities, as well as for medical tourism and pilgrimage to Sufi and historic sites.
Saudi Arabia passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Select Saudi Arabia as your nationality. Complete the application form, upload a passport photo (white background) and scan of your passport bio page. Pay $25 via credit or debit card. Approval typically arrives by email within 72 to 96 hours. Print the approval letter and present it with your passport at Indian immigration. Do not apply through third-party websites, which charge inflated fees.
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
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Passport Photo
One recent photo meeting Indian e-Visa specifications (2x2 inches, white background).
Payment Card
Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) for USD 25 e-Visa fee payment online at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Required at Entry
Indian e-Visa Approval Letter
Printed or digital copy of the e-Visa approval email from indianvisaonline.gov.in. Must be presented at immigration.
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Passport number must match the e-Visa exactly.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from India within the authorized stay period.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to India: What You Need to Know
India and Saudi Arabia have close ties through the large Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia (approximately 2.5 million Indian nationals). Many Saudi residents of Indian origin travel to India to visit family. However, Saudi nationals themselves also visit India for tourism, heritage sites, and medical treatment.
The India e-Visa system is available to Saudi passport holders and covers three categories: e-Tourist Visa (90 days, double entry), e-Business Visa (180 days, multiple entry), and e-Medical Visa (60 days, triple entry). Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Applications open 120 days before travel and must be submitted at least 4 business days prior to arrival.
The e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport and does not require a physical sticker. Present the confirmation email printout at immigration. Entry must be through designated e-Visa airports and seaports. Land border entry is not permitted on an e-Visa.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Delhi (DEL) is approximately 4 to 5 hours. Jeddah (JED) to Mumbai (BOM) is about 4 hours. Saudia, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet serve Gulf-India routes. Connections via Dubai and Abu Dhabi add frequency options. IndiGo operates budget routes from Riyadh and Jeddah to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Hyderabad.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). As of 2024, approximately 83 INR per USD. India is extremely affordable for Saudi travelers. Luxury five-star hotels in Delhi cost $100 to $250 per night. ATMs are available in major cities but smaller towns may have limited access. Carry some USD or SAR to exchange on arrival. Major cards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Prepaid SIM cards with data plans are inexpensive and useful.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 5 business days before travel to allow buffer time for any processing delays. The e-Tourist Visa allows double entry, useful if you plan to visit Nepal or Sri Lanka as part of a wider trip.
Mumbai and Delhi are the main entry points. Delhi connects to Agra (Taj Mahal), Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur), and the Himalayan foothills. Mumbai is the gateway to Goa beaches and Maharashtra heritage sites.
Medical tourism: India is a leading destination for medical procedures including cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and dental work at a fraction of Western costs. Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta hospitals are internationally accredited. Medical e-Visas are triple-entry with up to 60 days per visit.
Halal food: Halal restaurants are widely available throughout India, particularly in Muslim neighborhoods of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Saudi nationals get an India e-Visa?
Yes. Saudi passport holders are eligible for India's e-Visa for up to 90 days. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The e-Tourist Visa costs $25 and is processed in 72 to 96 hours. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees.
What types of India e-Visa are available for Saudi nationals?
Three types are available: e-Tourist Visa (90 days, double entry, $25), e-Business Visa (180 days, multiple entry, $80), and e-Medical Visa (60 days, triple entry, $25). Apply for the type matching your purpose of visit.
Can I enter India by land border with an e-Visa?
No. The India e-Visa only permits entry through designated international airports and certain seaports. Land border entry is not permitted on an e-Visa for any nationality.
How long before my India trip should I apply for the e-Visa?
Apply at least 4 business days before travel (mandatory minimum). Allowing 5 to 7 business days is safer to account for any processing delays. The e-Visa can be applied for up to 120 days before the intended travel date.
What airlines fly direct from Saudi Arabia to India?
Numerous direct routes: Riyadh to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Trivandrum; Jeddah to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Kozhikode. Saudia, Air India, IndiGo, Air Arabia, and SpiceJet all serve these routes. The high frequency reflects the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
Do Saudi nationals need a visa to transit through an Indian airport?
Transit passengers who do not leave the international transit area generally do not need a visa. However, if your transit requires clearing Indian immigration and customs (e.g., connecting from an international to domestic flight, or if your transit duration exceeds 24 hours), a transit visa is needed.
Is halal food widely available in India for Saudi tourists?
Yes. India has one of the world's largest Muslim populations. Halal restaurants are widespread in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and all major cities. Kerala (a major Keralite-Saudi connection) has extensive halal dining. Muslim-majority neighborhoods in every major city have certified halal food.