visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India
Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing rapid transformation and opening its doors to a wider range of international visitors, has become a key destination for Indian citizens, whether for religious pilgrimages, tourism, or burgeoning business opportunities.
1. The Core Visa Cost for Saudi Arabia from India: Tourist and Business e-Visas
For most Indian travelers seeking a visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India for short-term visits, the electronic visa (e-Visa) is the primary option. Introduced to simplify entry, the e-Visa covers both tourism and short-term business activities.
Tourist e-Visa:
Validity and Stay: Typically issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.
However, as of February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia has shifted its policy to primarily issue single-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, each valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. Travelers should verify the latest policy at the time of application. Cost: The government fee for a Saudi tourist e-Visa is approximately SAR 440, which includes the visa fee and mandatory health insurance. In Indian Rupees, this translates to around INR 8,800 to INR 10,000, depending on the prevailing exchange rate and any additional service charges by authorized platforms or agents.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival (VOA): A select group of Indian nationals may be eligible for a VOA for a 14-day stay if they hold a valid US visa (with at least six months validity), a US Green Card, or a valid residence permit or visa from the UK or a Schengen member state. They must also enter Saudi Arabia via one of its national carriers. The VOA cost is around SAR 480 (approximately INR 9,600 - 11,000). While available, applying for an e-Visa beforehand is generally recommended to avoid potential queues or issues on arrival.
Business e-Visa (Short-Term):
Validity and Stay: Similar to the tourist e-Visa, for short business trips (e.g., attending conferences, meetings).
As per the new regulations effective February 1, 2025, primarily single-entry visas for a maximum stay of 30 days are being issued. Cost: The fee for a short-term business e-Visa is typically aligned with the tourist e-Visa, around SAR 440 including health insurance. This would be roughly INR 8,800 to INR 10,000.
It's crucial for applicants to note that these costs primarily cover the government visa fee and mandatory insurance. Additional service charges by visa facilitation centers or agents will apply.
2. Traditional Sticker Visas and Their Visa Cost for Saudi Arabia from India
While the e-Visa has streamlined many processes, certain visa categories or longer-stay requirements still necessitate applying for a traditional "sticker visa" through the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulates in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad) or their authorized visa application centers. The visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India for these categories can vary significantly.
Business Visa (Sticker):
Purpose: For more extensive business engagements, long-term projects, or if e-Visa eligibility criteria are not met.
Validity & Stay: Can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry visas, with validity ranging from 3 months to 5 years, allowing stays of 30, 90 days, or more per visit, depending on the consular decision and invitation.
Cost (Approximate Government Fees in SAR):
Single Entry, up to 3 months validity: Around SAR 300 (INR 6,000 - 7,000).
Multiple Entry, up to 6 months validity: Can be around SAR 791 (INR 15,800 - 18,000).
Multiple Entry, up to 1 year validity: Around SAR 807 (INR 16,100 - 18,500).
Multiple Entry, 1 to 5 years validity: Can be around SAR 1107 (INR 22,000 - 25,000).
Additional Charges: These government fees are exclusive of considerable service charges by visa application centers (VACs), biometric fees, courier charges, and any attestation fees for supporting documents. These additional costs can add another INR 3,000 - 8,000 or more to the overall expense.
Family Visit Visa:
Purpose: For visiting first-degree relatives residing in Saudi Arabia.
Cost: Fees typically range from SAR 300 (for single entry) to SAR 751 (for multiple entry, up to 1 year). In INR, this is roughly INR 6,000 - 15,000.
Work Visa (Iqama):
Purpose: For employment in Saudi Arabia.
Cost: This is usually the most expensive visa type for individuals, with government fees potentially around SAR 2,000 (approximately INR 40,000). However, most costs associated with work visas, including government fees and recruitment charges, are often borne by the sponsoring employer in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Visa:
Purpose: For performing the Umrah pilgrimage.
Cost: While the visa fee itself can sometimes be minimal or free, the overall visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India for Umrah packages includes significant service and processing fees by approved Umrah operators, typically ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 on top of package costs.
This usually includes mandatory insurance.
Transit Visa:
Purpose: For transiting through Saudi Arabia to another country.
Cost: Often free if booked with a Saudi national airline for layovers up to 96 hours, or around SAR 76 (INR 1,500 - 2,000) for a standard transit visa.
3. Comprehensive Breakdown of Visa Cost for Saudi Arabia from India (Additional Charges)
Beyond the direct government visa fees, applicants should factor in several other expenses that contribute to the overall visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India:
Visa Application Center (VAC) Service Fees: For traditional sticker visas, applicants must submit documents and provide biometrics at authorized VACs. These centers charge a service fee, typically ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 4,000, for their services including document handling, biometrics collection, and submission to the Embassy/Consulate.
Biometric Fees: While often included in the VAC service fee, some specific applications might have a separate charge for biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photograph).
Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all visa types, its cost is usually bundled into the e-Visa fee or purchased separately through an approved provider for sticker visas.
Expect to pay at least INR 1,000 - 3,000 for suitable travel insurance. Document Attestation Fees: For business visas and family visit visas, certain documents (e.g., invitation letters, educational degrees, marriage/birth certificates) may require attestation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India and subsequently from the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulate in India.
Each attestation can incur a fee, ranging from a few hundreds to a few thousands of rupees per document. Courier/Delivery Charges: If opting for passport delivery services from the VAC, additional courier fees will apply.
Form Filling/Assistance Fees: If you use a travel agent or consultant to assist with filling out forms or collating documents, they will charge their own service fees, which can vary widely.
Translation Services: If any supporting documents are not in English or Arabic, certified translations may be required, incurring additional costs.
4. Application Process and Payment for Visa Cost for Saudi Arabia from India
The general process for securing a visa for Saudi Arabia from India and managing the costs:
Online Application (e-Visa): For e-Visas, the entire process is online. You fill the form, upload documents, and pay the fee directly on the official e-Visa portal using a credit/debit card.
Traditional Visa (Offline):
Invitation/Sponsorship: For business, family visit, and work visas, obtaining an official invitation or sponsorship letter from Saudi Arabia is the first crucial step. This letter often needs to be attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.
Online Enjaz Registration: All applicants for traditional visas must register and pay certain fees (like the Enjaz fee and medical insurance) through the Enjazit platform before visiting the VAC.
Document Submission & Biometrics: Visit the chosen VAC (New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad) with all required physical documents and provide biometrics.
Fee Payment: Visa fees (government and VAC service charges) are usually paid at the VAC in Indian Rupees.
5. Final Considerations for Visa Cost for Saudi Arabia from India
Refund Policy: Most visa fees for Saudi Arabia are non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected or withdrawn.
This emphasizes the importance of submitting a complete and accurate application. Exchange Rate Fluctuations: As fees are often quoted in Saudi Riyals (SAR) or US Dollars (USD) but paid in Indian Rupees (INR), the final amount you pay will be subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations.
New Grace Period: As of July 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 30-day grace period for visitors with expired visas to exit the country without penalty.
While this helps overstayers, it is strictly for exit and not an extension of stay. Varying Requirements: Visa requirements and fees can change without prior notice. Always consult the official websites of the Saudi Arabian Embassy/Consulates in India or trusted visa service providers for the most up-to-date information before applying.
In conclusion, the visa cost for Saudi Arabia from India is a multi-faceted expense that depends heavily on the visa type, duration of stay, and the chosen application method.
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