Previously seen simply as a pilgrimage destination, Saudi Arabia has quickly become one of the hottest travel destinations in the Middle East. The country now has something to offer for all travelers, including modern cities, untouched desert scenery, and a beautiful Red Sea coastline with pristine beaches.
Saudi Arabia – now one of the most exciting destinations in the region – is also more accessible to explore following the introduction of an online tourist visa. This has opened the floodgates for Indian travelers interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, archaeological sites, and advances in futuristic development.
To have a more streamlined and stress-free experience, and to help you with the visa application process for the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians, here are our tips and important information.
The Simple Stepwise Working of the Visa Process
Step 1: Choosing to Check Your Eligibility
All Indian passport holders are allowed to apply for a tourist eVisa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
Step 2: Gathering of Documents
- Keep your bare essentials ready:
- A passport with a validity period of 6 or more months.
- Recent photographs
- Proof of hotel booking or accommodation
- Flight tickets (either return or onward journey)
- Travel insurance (generally, this comes bundled with the visa fee)
Step 3: Beginning the Application Process
- Go to the Saudi eVisa official portal.
- Key in personal and traveling details into the form.
- Upload scanned copies of all documents and photographs to the website.
- Make the payment with a credit card.
In the majority of applications, the final approval is granted within 24-72 hours. The approved copy of the visa will then be emailed to you, so please ensure you print a copy for your travel.
Step 4: Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Arriving in Saudi Arabia will require presenting the eVisa and the passport. Immigration officers may ask for proof of your accommodation and return flight tickets; suffice it to say, keep copies handy.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Observe Local Customs: In all public areas, there is an expectation of modest attire as well as reverence toward local traditions. For women, wearing an abaya is optional; casual and modest attire is recommended.
- The Best Time To Visit: Weather-wise, the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities lies within the cooler months from October to March. It gets almost unbearable in the summertime, especially inland.
- Connectivity: From the airport, picking up a SIM card is a breeze on foot, so with the speeds of the internet being high, navigation and communication should be without any guff.
- Transport: Within the cities, Uber and Careem are quite popular. When traveling a longer distance, one can choose to fly.
- Money: The currency here is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and cards are accepted just about everywhere, but some cash would come in handy, especially if you will be shopping in a few small shops or markets.
Must-Visit Destinations in Saudi Arabia
After getting the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians, you will visit,
Riyadh: The City of Modernism
It is a lovely mix of modern skyscrapers and heritage. Have a look from the top of the Kingdom Centre Tower and then visit Diriyah – the very seat of the nascent Saudi state.
Jeddah: The Red Sea Gate
Famous for Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site with vivid souks and a Corniche on the sea, it is an amalgam of being traditional and modern.
AlUla: The Desert Wonder
An imposing presence in the desert with sandstone cliffs and the UNESCO site of Hegra. Hot-air balloon rides offer some of the most exquisite desert views.
Abha: The Mountain Hideout
Located in the Asir region, a land that offers great cool weather, cable cars, and colorful villages, it is the right spot for anyone who is looking for an adventure among scenic landscapes.
The Red Sea Coast
Saudi Arabia is in the process of turning the Red Sea coast into a world-class beach and diving destination. Currently, it offers snorkeling, diving, and tranquil retreats.
Why We Need This Visa for Indians
The launch of a Saudi Arabian visa for Indians has changed the travel option for travelers, making it possible for Indian travelers to experience much more than the commonplace travel to just religious sites, as Saudi Arabia invests heavily to become a premier international destination for culture, adventure, and relaxation, and offer experiences that contrast in stark fashion—from urban landscapes, to desolate hinterland, to pristine beaches.
The e-visa application process is quick and provides convenience by saving time and making it easy to plan your trip. Instead of worrying about logistics and paperwork, Indian travelers can now spend their valuable time exploring the various opportunities in the spectacular destination.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia offers a remarkable range of opposites — from modern skyscrapers and cities filled with commerce to the vast deserts and history. With the easy eVisa process, there is no reason why Indians shouldn’t enjoy the experiences in this amazing area.
For travelers who want assistance, OneVasco and similar companies will complete the paperwork and formalities so the application is easy. But the system is simple enough to do on your own if you want to manage the process yourself.
Regardless of how you end up applying for the visa, it is the Saudi Arabia visa that opens the door to vivid culture, gracious hospitality, and things in between that you will want to find and experience while being in Saudi Arabia.
