Saudi Arabia Visa Eligibility for Citizens of India

As we move through 2026, the travel connection between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula has become one of the most dynamic corridors in the world. For citizens of India, visiting Saudi Arabia—whether for a spiritual journey to the holy cities, a business venture in Riyadh, or to explore the historical wonders of AlUla—is managed through a set of clearly defined entry protocols. While India is not on the primary direct e-visa list for all citizens, the Kingdom has introduced significant digital exceptions for those with established international travel credentials or GCC residency.

2026 Entry Pathways: Consular, Digital Exceptions, and VOA

For Indian passport holders, entry into Saudi Arabia is currently categorized into three main pathways based on individual credentials.

• The Digital Exception Pathway (E-Visa): Indian citizens who hold a valid and used tourist or business visa from the United States, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen Area country are eligible to apply for an electronic visa. This also applies to permanent residents of these regions.

• GCC Residency Advantage: Indian nationals who hold a valid residency permit (Iqama) from any GCC country (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain) can apply for a Saudi e-visa directly online, regardless of their profession, provided their residency is valid for at least three months.

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Travelers who meet the US/UK/Schengen criteria mentioned above can also obtain a Visa on Arrival at Saudi international airports, provided they are traveling with a national carrier (such as Saudia, Flynas, or Flyadeal).

• The Consular Route: For all other Indian citizens, a traditional sticker visa must be obtained through authorized visa service centers (such as VFS Tasheer) in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, and others.

Spiritual Travel: Umrah Guidelines for Indian Citizens

For the large Muslim community in India, performing Umrah is a central reason for visiting the Kingdom. The 2026 framework provides streamlined options for these sacred journeys.

• Umrah on a Tourist Permit: Indian travelers who qualify for the e-visa exception (via a used US, UK, or Schengen visa) can perform Umrah using that same tourist authorization. This grants the freedom to organize travel independently through the Nusuk platform.

• Standard Umrah Visa: Those without international visa exceptions must apply for a dedicated Umrah visa through authorized travel agents in India.

• Hajj Season Notice: Participation in Hajj remains strictly governed by official national quotas and requires a dedicated Hajj visa. Standard tourist or exception-based visas are not valid for Hajj.

Professional Verification and All-Inclusive Pricing

To ensure that every application meets the Kingdom's 2026 security standards and that your mandatory health insurance is correctly activated, we provide a dedicated verification service. This prevents administrative errors that could lead to delays at the border.

• Standard Eligibility Review: The total all-inclusive fee for our professional service (for those eligible for the digital pathway) is 175 dollars. This final price encompasses the official government visa fee, the 2026 mandatory health insurance policy, and our manual document audit. Most authorizations are finalized within 3 to 5 business days.

• Express Priority Service: For travelers with an urgent departure from India, an expedited pathway is available for 225 dollars, prioritizing your file for a response within 24 business hours.

Specialized Entry: Employment and Residency

It is vital for citizens of India to note that tourist and electronic visas do not grant the right to engage in paid labor. If your goal is professional relocation or a long-term contract in the Kingdom, a specific Consular Work Visa must be obtained through a local Saudi sponsor and processed via authorized centers in India. This process requires the verification of academic and medical records.

Essential Requirements for Indian Applicants

To confirm your entry eligibility, please ensure the following essentials are ready:

1. Passport: A valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity beyond your arrival date.

2. Supporting Credentials: A copy of your valid and used US, UK, or Schengen visa (if applying through the digital exception rule).

3. GCC Residents: A valid residency card (at least 3 months remaining).

4. Digital Assets: A clear biometric photograph and a valid email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in 2026?

Yes, but only if you hold a valid and used visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area and are traveling on a Saudi-based airline. Otherwise, you must apply in advance.

Does the 175 dollar fee include medical insurance?

Yes. Every visa issued for entry into Saudi Arabia in 2026 requires government-approved health insurance. This is fully covered in our 175 dollar standard service fee.

Is the e-visa valid for multiple entries?

For those qualifying under the exception rules, the e-visa is typically a multiple-entry permit valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.