Saudi Arabia, with its rich blend of ancient heritage and modern attractions, draws Indian travelers to its spiritual centers like Mecca and Medina, futuristic cities like Riyadh, and stunning Red Sea beaches. After a temporary pause on certain visas in early 2025 due to Hajj, the Kingdom has fully resumed issuing visas to Indians as of September 2025. This detailed guide provides all the essential information on Saudi Arabia visas for Indian citizens, covering costs, processing times, requirements, application methods, success rates, and more. Whether you’re planning a tourist trip, business visit, or family reunion, this article equips you with the latest details for a smooth experience. (Word count: 963)

Visa Types Available for Indian Citizens

Saudi Arabia offers various visa categories tailored to specific purposes. For Indian travelers, the most common include:

• Tourist eVisa: Designed for leisure, this one-year multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, ideal for exploring Al-Ula’s ancient tombs or Jeddah’s vibrant markets.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at entry points like airports, it matches the eVisa’s validity but is processed upon landing.
• Business Visa: For meetings or conferences, offering single or multiple entries for 30-90 days.
• Family Visit Visa: For those with relatives in Saudi, based on a sponsor’s invitation.
• Umrah Visa: Specific for religious pilgrimages outside Hajj season, often paired with tourist visas for flexibility.

Indians aren’t among the 66 countries eligible for a standard eVisa without additional qualifications. However, those holding a valid tourist visa or permanent residence from the US, UK, or Schengen countries qualify for eVisa or VOA. This policy, aimed at boosting tourism, benefits many Indian professionals and frequent travelers.

For those without such qualifications, applications go through Tasheer centers, the official visa service provider in India, replacing VFS Global for Saudi visa processing.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Eligibility depends on your purpose and profile. For eVisa or VOA, you need a US, UK, or Schengen visa/residency, be over 18 (or accompanied by a guardian), and hold a passport valid for six months from entry. A clean criminal record and no prior Saudi visa violations are essential.

Key documents for all visa types include:

• Passport: Original, valid for six months with two blank pages.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized (4×6 cm) photos on a white background.
• Application Form: Completed online via the official portal or Tasheer site.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or a sponsor’s letter.
• Flight Itinerary: Round-trip tickets.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements showing sufficient funds (minimum SAR 5,000 or equivalent per person) for the last three to six months.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory; for eVisa, it’s included in the fee, covering up to SAR 100,000 in medical expenses.
• Invitation Letter: Needed for business or family visas, attested by Saudi authorities.
• Additional for Employed Applicants: No-objection certificate (NOC) from employer and salary slips.
• For Students or Homemakers: Sponsor’s documents and affidavit.

COVID-19 rules have relaxed, but check the Tawakkalna app for any vaccination updates.

Application Process: Online and Offline

Online Application (eVisa for Eligible Indians)

If you qualify via US/UK/Schengen ties, apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. Steps include:

1. Register and complete the form with personal, travel, and financial details.
2. Upload documents and pay fees.
3. Receive approval via email within minutes to 48 hours.

Print the eVisa and present it at immigration. Many Indians with US visas report quick approvals.

Offline via Tasheer Centers

For non-eligible applicants, use Tasheer (tasheer.com/india) at centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai.

1. Book an appointment online.
2. Submit documents in person; biometrics may be required.
3. Pay fees and track status online.

Tasheer verifies applications and forwards them to the Saudi embassy or consulate, streamlining the process.

Costs and Fees

Visa fees vary by type and duration, typically non-refundable.

• eVisa/VOA: SAR 480 (~INR 10,600), including insurance and taxes.
• Tourist Sticker Visa (Single Entry, 3 Months): INR 7,140 visa fee + INR 940 application fee + service fees (~INR 1,500-2,000).
• Multiple Entry (1-5 Years): Up to SAR 828 (~INR 18,200) plus additional charges.
• Business/Family: Around SAR 200-500 base, plus processing fees.

Tasheer adds service charges for appointments (regular or premium). Use official channels to avoid scams.

Processing Times and Visa Duration

• eVisa/VOA: Processed instantly to 2 days; VOA at airports takes 30-60 minutes.
• Tasheer Sticker Visa: 4-7 working days, though high volumes may extend to 2 weeks. Apply 15-20 days before travel.

Visa validity: eVisa lasts one year from issuance with 90-day stays. Sticker visas range from 30 days to five years, depending on type.

Success Rates, Rejections, and Tips

The success rate for Indian applicants is around 75-80%, with rejections exceeding 20% recently. Common rejection reasons include incomplete forms, insufficient funds, weak ties to India (e.g., no job proof), or inconsistent travel plans. Post-Hajj 2025, authorities scrutinize overstay risks more closely.

To improve approval chances:

• Verify all documents; use professional photo services.
• Show strong India ties: Property deeds, family proofs.
• Be truthful in any interviews.
• Avoid last-minute applications, as rejections rise.
• If rejected, appeal within 30 days with new evidence or reapply after fixing issues.

Online forums like Reddit note that US visa holders find eVisa swift, while Tasheer’s thorough checks minimize errors.

Refund Policy

Fees are generally non-refundable, even if rejected. eVisa payments are final, though some agents offer partial refunds (up to 70%) minus processing, taking 1-3 months. Tasheer may refund unprocessed applications, but visa fees go to the embassy. Check terms before paying.

Obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa as an Indian in 2025 is straightforward with preparation. Whether using the fast eVisa or Tasheer’s structured process, ensure complete documentation and clear intent. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 makes it more welcoming, with events like Riyadh Season adding excitement. Respect local customs modest clothing and no alcohol for a rewarding trip. Plan ahead, and your journey to the Kingdom will be memorable