The goal is to tap into India’s potential as the leading source market by aiming to welcome 7.5 million Indian travellers by 2030
India is one of the largest and most important markets for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in a move to significantly increase the footfall from India, Saudi Arabia has introduced an array of tourist visa options, introducing easier access to its diverse destinations.
In a press statement, Saudi Tourism Authority says that the country has introduced new visa categories for Indian visitors. These include stopover visa, e-visa services and visa-on-arrival. It adds that the new guidelines and visa options cater to a variety of travel needs, encouraging more travellers to explore the multi-faceted country.
Saudi Arabia currently has 10 visa facilitation centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kolkata and Kozhikode with plans to add more dedicated centres in additional cities.
The tourism board adds that this is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, with a goal to tap into India’s potential as the leading source market by aiming to welcome 7.5 million Indian travellers by 2030. By the end of 2024 Saudi is aiming to double visitor numbers to 2.2 million.
Stopover Visa
It says that Indian travellers can now apply for a stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance at the Saudia airline website for a nominal fee towards administration and insurance services.
e-visa
Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the e-visa. Permanent residents of these countries or individuals possessing a valid residence visa from a GCC country with a minimum validity of three months beyond the entry date into Saudi are also eligible. The e-visa can be obtained before departure through the official portal.
Visa on Arrival
The statement adds that travellers meeting similar criteria of a valid tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or Schengen countries with entry stamps can avail a visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports as well. Those with permanent residency in these countries can also apply at self-service kiosks or passport control offices at Saudi airports.
Those not eligible under the above-mentioned criteria can apply for the visa through Tasheer Centres across India. The process encompasses document preparation, appointment booking, application submission, biometric enrolment, and passport collection. The statement adds that all of these visa options are also valid for those wishing to perform Umrah.
