Indian Passport to Saudi Arabia — Visa Requirements 2026

A complete guide for Indian passport holders travelling to Saudi Arabia in 2026 — tourist e-Visa, Hajj and Umrah, work visa, costs, processing times, and required documents.

Quick Answer

Indian passport holders need a visa for Saudi Arabia, but applying is straightforward. The Tourist e-Visa is the right choice for tourism, family visits and Umrah — apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com, pay ~SAR 535 ($143), get approval in 24–72 hours. For Hajj pilgrimage, you must go through the Hajj Committee of India. For employment, your Saudi employer sponsors a work visa under the Iqama system.

Visa Required

Yes — choose visa type

Tourist e-Visa Cost

~$120–160 USD

Max Tourist Stay

90 days / 1 year multi

Processing Time

~1–3 business days

Saudi Visa Types for Indian Passport Holders

Tourist e-Visa

Online application. 1-year multi-entry. 90 days per stay. Eligible for Indian passport holders since 2019.

Use for: Tourism, family visits, Umrah (year-round except during Hajj period).
Cost: ~SAR 535 (≈$143) including insurance
Apply via: visa.visitsaudi.com

Hajj Visa

Mandatory for the Hajj pilgrimage. Issued only by authorised Hajj Mission of India tour operators.

Use for: Hajj pilgrimage during Dhul-Hijjah (June–July window in 2026).
Cost: Variable — book through licensed Hajj operator
Apply via: Ministry of External Affairs — hajjcommittee.gov.in

Umrah Visa

Now bundled into the standard Tourist e-Visa. You no longer need a separate Umrah visa from India.

Use for: Year-round Umrah (avoid Hajj period when access to Mecca is restricted).
Cost: Included in Tourist e-Visa fee
Apply via: visa.visitsaudi.com

Work Visa

Employer-sponsored visa under the Kafala / Iqama system. Requires offer letter, attestation by Saudi embassy in India, and medical clearance.

Use for: Employment, long-term residence, Iqama (residence permit) renewal.
Cost: Sponsored by employer — varies
Apply via: Through Saudi embassy in Delhi / Mumbai / Bengaluru

Business Visa

Required for meetings, conferences, contract negotiations. Multi-entry options up to 5 years.

Use for: Business meetings, trade fairs, short-term assignments (under 90 days).
Cost: ~$120–180 USD
Apply via: Saudi embassy in India or e-Visa portal

How to Apply for Saudi Tourist e-Visa from India

  1. 1

    Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account using your email and Indian passport number.

  2. 2

    Complete the application form — personal details, travel plans, accommodation in Saudi Arabia (or 'Hotel TBA' is accepted). Upload your passport bio page and a recent colour photo (white background).

  3. 3

    Pay the visa fee (SAR 535 ≈ $143 USD) which includes mandatory medical insurance. Credit/debit card accepted.

  4. 4

    Receive your approved e-Visa by email within 24–72 hours. Print or save digitally. Present it with your passport at any Saudi airport on arrival.

Documents Required

  • Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates with 2 blank pages
  • Recent colour photograph (white background, 6×6 cm, taken within last 3 months)
  • Return / onward flight ticket
  • Hotel reservation or host's address in Saudi Arabia
  • Bank statement showing minimum balance (for first-time applicants)
  • Credit/debit card for online payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indian passport holders get an e-Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes — since 2019, Indian nationals are eligible for the Saudi Tourist e-Visa. It costs approximately SAR 535 ($143 USD) including mandatory medical insurance, is valid for 1 year with multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Approval typically arrives within 24–72 hours.

Do I still need a separate Umrah visa from India?

No — as of 2022, the Tourist e-Visa allows Umrah year-round (except during the Hajj period when access to Mecca is restricted to Hajj pilgrims). You can apply once for the Tourist e-Visa and use it for Umrah, family visits, or general tourism.

What's the difference between Tourist e-Visa and Hajj visa?

The Tourist e-Visa is online, self-applied, and works for tourism and Umrah year-round outside the Hajj season. The Hajj visa is mandatory specifically for Hajj pilgrimage and can only be issued through the Hajj Committee of India and licensed tour operators. Hajj quotas are determined by India's MoEA annually.

How long does Saudi work visa processing take from India?

Typically 4–8 weeks from offer letter to visa stamping. The process includes: employment contract signing, attestation of academic and experience certificates by MEA India and the Saudi Embassy, medical examination at a Gamca-approved centre, biometric submission at the embassy, and final visa stamping. Your employer handles most steps.

Can I visit Saudi Arabia on a Tourist e-Visa for work?

No. The Tourist e-Visa explicitly prohibits paid employment. Working without an Iqama (residence permit) is illegal under Saudi labour law and can result in deportation, fines, and a re-entry ban. Always apply for a proper work visa through your employer.

Do my children need separate visas for Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Every traveller, including infants, requires their own visa. Children can be included on the parent's e-Visa application but each child counts as a separate visa fee. Submit each child's passport, photo, and parental NOC if travelling with only one parent.

Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa from inside the kingdom?

The Tourist e-Visa is non-extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days per visit, exit and re-enter (the 1-year multi-entry validity allows this) or convert to a different visa category from outside the country. Overstaying carries significant fines (SAR 25,000+) and re-entry bans.

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