Saudi Arabia has unveiled multiple tourist visa options for Indian travelers, aiming to simplify access to its diverse destinations. The options include stopover visas, eVisas, and visas-on-arrival, inviting visitors to explore Riyadh’s vibrant cityscape, Jeddah’s cultural richness, the hidden treasures of the Red Sea, and the ancient marvels of AlUla. These new guidelines cater to various travel needs, encouraging more Indian tourists to discover the multifaceted country.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, targeting India as the number one source market. With ten visa facilitation centers in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, Saudi aims to welcome 7.5 million Indian travelers by 2030 and double visitor numbers to 2.2 million by the end of 2024.
Indian travelers can now apply for a Stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, through the Saudia airline website 90 days in advance. This visa incurs a nominal fee for administration and insurance services. The eVisa is available to Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or any Schengen country, or those with permanent residency in these countries. It can be obtained through the official portal before departure.
Travelers meeting similar criteria can also avail of a visa-on-arrival at Saudi international airports. Permanent residents of these countries can apply at self-service kiosks or passport control offices. Those not eligible for these options can apply for a visa through Tasheer Centres across India, involving document preparation, appointment booking, application submission, biometric enrollment, and passport collection. All visa options are valid for performing Umrah.
Source: Times Travel
