Not eligible for the eVisa
No used US, UK or Schengen visa or qualifying residence.
The fix. Apply through VFS Tasheer for the consular tourist visa.
Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa and visa on arrival for Indian passport holders
Indian passport holders can get the Saudi tourist eVisa online in minutes if they hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once, or a residence permit in the US, UK, EU or a GCC state: the eVisa costs about SAR 535 all-in (SAR 300 visa fee plus mandatory medical insurance and 15 per cent VAT), is valid 1 year for multiple entries of up to 90 days each, and the same group can take a visa on arrival at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports. Indians without such a visa apply for the consular tourist visa through VFS Tasheer centres in India (about SAR 300 plus insurance and service fees, 3 to 5 working days). The tourist visa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season, business meetings and family visits, and a free 96-hour stopover visa comes with Saudia and flynas tickets.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa and visa on arrival: quick answers
Can Indians get a Saudi eVisa? Yes, if you hold a valid tourist or business visa from the United States, United Kingdom or a Schengen state that has been used for entry at least once, or a valid residence permit in those places or a GCC country (in an eligible profession for GCC residents). Everyone else applies for the consular tourist visa through VFS Tasheer, which asks for the passport, photo, bank statement, hotel booking and return ticket. The tourist visa cannot be used for Hajj, which runs through the Haj Committee of India's quota, or for paid work.
What does it cost? About SAR 535 (roughly INR 12,000 in 2026) for the eVisa: SAR 300 visa fee, SAR 180 compulsory medical insurance and VAT, paid by card on the Visit Saudi portal. The visa on arrival costs the same at the airport kiosk. The consular tourist visa through VFS Tasheer is SAR 300 plus insurance, the Tasheer service fee (about INR 2,000 to 3,000) and biometrics. Fees are not refunded. Vistolane charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate and shows its service separately.
How long does it take? Most eVisas are approved within minutes and almost all within 24 hours; the visa on arrival takes 10 to 20 minutes at the kiosk. The consular route through VFS Tasheer takes 3 to 5 working days after the appointment, longer around Ramadan and Hajj. Apply once flights are booked and at least a week before travel for the consular route.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Tourist eVisa or visa on arrival: 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per visit; consular tourist visa for other Indians |
| Government fee | SAR 535 all-in (SAR 300 visa + insurance + VAT); consular visa SAR 300 plus insurance and Tasheer fees |
| Processing | eVisa minutes to 24 hours; visa on arrival 10 to 20 minutes; consular 3 to 5 working days |
| Eligibility | Used US, UK or Schengen visa, or US, UK, EU or GCC residence; otherwise consular route |
| Allowed | Tourism, Umrah outside Hajj season, family visits, events, business meetings |
| Not allowed | Hajj, paid work, study |
| Stopover | Free 96-hour stopover visa with Saudia or flynas tickets |
| Verified | 30 Oct 2026 against visa.visitsaudi.com and mofa.gov.sa |
eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa: which applies to you
| Route | Who | Fee | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Indians with a used US, UK or Schengen visa, or US, UK, EU or GCC residence | About SAR 535 all-in | Minutes to 24 hours | visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Visa on arrival | Same group; also holders of a used US, UK or Schengen visa landing at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam | About SAR 535 | 10 to 20 minutes | Airport kiosk |
| Consular tourist visa | All other Indian passport holders | SAR 300 + insurance + Tasheer fee | 3 to 5 working days | VFS Tasheer centres in India |
| Stopover visa | Saudia and flynas passengers transiting | Free | With the ticket | Airline booking |
The eVisa form asks for the passport (valid 6 months), a photo, the qualifying visa or residence details, occupation and a Saudi address or hotel; approval is automatic for most applicants. The visa is multiple entry for 365 days with stays of up to 90 days each and total stays capped at 90 days a year. Women travel without a male guardian, dress rules are modest rather than strict, and the mandatory insurance covers COVID-19 and emergency care.
Umrah is permitted on the tourist visa outside the Hajj season (roughly a month either side of Dhul Hijjah), with the Nusuk app issuing the Rawdah and Umrah permits; the Saudi Umrah route page covers the dedicated Umrah visa for pilgrims who do not qualify for the eVisa. Business visitors use the same eVisa for meetings, while anyone taking up employment needs the work visa described on the Saudi work route page.
Fees and what they cover
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa, all-in | About SAR 535 | SAR 300 visa + SAR 180 insurance + 15 per cent VAT |
| Visa on arrival | About SAR 535 | Card payment at the kiosk |
| Consular tourist visa | SAR 300 + insurance | Through VFS Tasheer; Enjaz and service fees extra |
| Tasheer service and biometrics | About INR 2,000 to 3,000 | Per applicant |
| Stopover visa | Free | Saudia and flynas |
| Extension of a tourist stay | Not available | Leave and re-enter within the 90-day annual cap |
Vistolane charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate and shows its service separately.
How the application runs, step by step
- Check eligibility. A used US, UK or Schengen visa or an eligible residence permit unlocks the eVisa; otherwise prepare the consular file.
- Apply on visa.visitsaudi.com. Passport, photo, qualifying visa details, occupation, Saudi address; pay about SAR 535 by card.
- Approval. Usually within minutes; print or save the eVisa PDF.
- Consular route (if needed). Book VFS Tasheer, submit passport, photo, bank statement, bookings and insurance; biometrics; 3 to 5 working days.
- Travel. Carry the eVisa, hotel booking and return ticket; download Nusuk if you plan Umrah; stays up to 90 days per visit.
Timeline for an Indian traveller
| Stage | Typical time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Minutes to 24 hours | Apply after booking flights |
| Consular visa | 3 to 5 working days | Longer around Ramadan and Hajj |
| Visa validity | 1 year, multiple entry | 90 days per visit, 90 days a year |
| Umrah permit | Same day on Nusuk | Outside the Hajj season |
Riyadh Season (October to March) and Ramadan are the busiest periods; hotels in Makkah and Madinah sell out weeks ahead.
At the border and during the stay
Immigration officers scan the eVisa and passport and record biometrics on first entry; carry the hotel booking and return ticket. Tourists may not work, and overstaying beyond the visa incurs a fine of SAR 100 a day and an entry ban. Visitors cannot convert the tourist visa into a work or residence permit inside the Kingdom; employers sponsor the work visa from India, and families of residents use the family visit visa covered on the Saudi family route page.
Document checklist: identity
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Passport valid 6 months beyond arrival | Scan of the bio page |
| Digital photo | Plain background |
| Qualifying US, UK or Schengen visa or residence permit | Used at least once; still valid |
Trip
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Hotel booking or host's address | For the form and the border |
| Return or onward ticket | Within the 90-day stay |
| Mandatory medical insurance | Bundled in the eVisa fee |
Consular route
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Bank statement for 3 months | Showing funds for the trip |
| VFS Tasheer appointment and biometrics | Per applicant |
| Employer or business letter | Purpose and leave |
Why applications on this route get refused, and the fix
Passport validity
Less than 6 months at entry.
The fix. Renew the passport before applying.
Qualifying visa unused or expired
Schengen visa never used for entry.
The fix. Travel on the qualifying visa first or use the consular route.
Occupation flagged
Certain occupations on the form trigger manual review.
The fix. Enter the occupation exactly as on official documents and wait for the review.
Previous overstay or ban
Fines or bans from an earlier visit.
The fix. Settle fines through Absher before reapplying.
Official sources
Questions, answered
How much is a Saudi tourist visa for Indians?
About SAR 535 all-in for the eVisa or visa on arrival (SAR 300 visa, mandatory insurance and VAT), roughly INR 12,000 in 2026; the consular visa through VFS Tasheer costs SAR 300 plus insurance and service fees.
Who can get a Saudi eVisa on an Indian passport?
Indians holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa used at least once, or a residence permit in the US, UK, EU or a GCC state in an eligible profession; others apply for the consular tourist visa.
Can I do Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, booking the Umrah permit on the Nusuk app; Hajj is not allowed on a tourist visa and runs through the Haj Committee of India.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
Up to 90 days per visit and 90 days in total per year, on a visa valid 1 year for multiple entries.
Does Vistolane file Saudi tourist visas?
Yes. Vistolane checks eligibility, files the eVisa or the VFS Tasheer consular application, charges the government fee and insurance at the official rate and shows its service separately.