Understanding Visa Requirements For Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA is the largest country in the Middle East occupying a major bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. The capital city is Riyadh and Saudi Arabia is host to two shrines revered as the holiest pilgrimages in Islam – Cities of Mecca and Medina. Its neighbours include countries like Persia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Jordan Oman, and Iraq.
Best Season To Explore and Enjoy Saudi Arabia
The heartland of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia envelops many cultural and archaeological treasures and heritage marvels for a travel enthusiast. Geographically, it is a country that has a vast portion covered with desert landscape making the climatic conditions very arid and parched for most year-round. It can be best explored during the winter season which extends from November to February while summer for travellers is a big no-no since temperatures soar as high as 50 degrees.
- Spring- The parched landscape of KSA bursts with a canvas of vivid colours between Mid-March to May with the blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and a scenic panorama. One can enjoy the Elephant rock tour at Al-Ula; enjoy desert safari with quad bike in Jeddah and Riyadh; explore the verdant valley of Wadi Lajab in south of Saudi Arabia
- Summer- With scorching average temperature as high as 44 degree and even higher, visiting urban centres such as Al Ahsa Mall, Qaisariah Souk or enjoying the UNESCO registered heritage site of Al Ahsa Oasis can be a worthwhile expedition for a tourist
- Autumn- The autumn season accords every visitor to enjoy a rich tapestry of culturally rich architecture; ancient heritage marvels which narrate tales of the bygone pre-medieval civilization set against a backdrop of historical grandeur of KSA. The season extends from September to November and is witness to the celebration of National Day of Saudi Arabia on 23 September. One can hike or camp near Mount Uhud; or meander along the bustling by lanes of Al-Balad Marketplace; or explore exciting trails at the Edge Of The World Tour
- Winter- The period from December to February brings cool, mild winter to Saudi Arabia, and marks the advent of a season offering a plethora of traditional and cultural festivities interlaced with outdoor adventures. Travellers entreat themselves to a symphony of traditional Arab music at Riyadh Music Season, Art fairs held in the month of December and enjoy family-friendly sporting adventures and games at the Winter Wonderland event
Visa Requirements For Travelling To Saudi Arabia
What Does ‘Visa’ Imply?
Visa is an official document issued by the Government of Saudi Arabia that serves as an official and legal entry permit to foreign nationals for their stay in KSA. A Tourist Visa is issued to travellers who want to visit Saudi Arabia for a leisure trip. Tourists who hold Indian citizenship apply for Consulate Visa via Saudi Embassies and Consulates.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements For Tourists
- Applicant must be above 18 years of age or being accompanied by parent/guardian
- A Health Insurance that is recognised by Saudi Arabia
- Passport with validity for a minimum six months at the time of visa application
- Passport’s photocopy
- Two Passport-sized photographs
- Online Application form filled completely
- Copy of flight reservation tickets
- Copy of hotel accommodation
- Submission of the applicable visa fee in Saudi Riyals
- Bank statements as proof of income
Visa Requirements For Students Visiting Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Student’s original Passport
- Photocopy of the Passport
- Two Passport-sized photographs
- Provisional Admission Letter issued by a recognized educational Institution in India
- Requisite Visa application fee should be submitted in Saudi Riyals by cash
- A letter citing financial support by the Parent/Guardian and Bank Guarantee provided to the student for the entire term of the course
- Employment letter of Father to indicate his professional position and salary drawn; attested by Foreign Ministry/Chamber of Commerce
- An Undertaking by the Parent/Guardian to affirm that all expenses of the child will be met by them and he/she will not partake in any criminal activity/unlawful action
- Saudi Arabian ID issued to the student
Visa Requirements For Working Professionals In Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Original Passport
- Photocopy of the Passport
- Two Passport-sized photographs
- Copy of the Employment/Offer Letter issued to the Indian worker by the employer
- Visa application fee that is applicable should be paid in Saudi Riyals by cash
- Applicant worker is required to be present in person
- Official Letter by the Company/Organisation/Sponsor
- Saudi Arabian ID issued to the worker
Visa Requirements For Business Person In KSA
- Original Passport which is valid for a minimum of six months along with its photocopy
- Two Passport-sized photographs
- Visa application fee should be submitted in Saudi Riyals by cash
- For Business visa up to six months, multiple entry - A letter of request is required from a business organisation in Saudi Arabia that is attested by the Chamber of Commerce
- For Business visa extending more than six months duration, multiple entry - A letter of request forwarded by a business organisation in Saudi Arabia and attested by the Chamber of Commerce along with a letter of invitation from an Indian Company duly attested by Chamber of Commerce is required
- Saudi Arabian ID issued to the Business person
NOTE: A Business visa application shall also be vetted by the Commerce Wings of the Embassy of KSA
Visa Requirements For Hajj/Umrah Pilgrims Travelling To Saudi Arabia
- Original Passport with validity for minimum six months at the time of submission of visa application
- Pilgrims should duly submit their Hajj/Umrah visa application forms through travel agents who are authorized by Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Two recent, coloured Passport-sized photographs against a white background
- A latest health/Medical certificate valid for minimum 3 years against the risk of Meningitis; additionally, vaccinations for Polio,Meningitis,Influenza etc for children of variable age groups is necessary
- Proof of confirmed airline tickets of the round-trip
- Both male/female pilgrims must provide requisite certificates serving as a proof of kinship/ relationship. For Mahram i.e, Male relative, Pilgrimage visa requires proof of birth or marriage certificates when he is accompanying his spouse and children
- For all female pilgrims, it is mandatory to travel to KSA for Hajj with a Mahram
- Female pilgrims above 45 years of age who are travelling without a Mahram, with an organised group, should submit a notarized no-objection letter from her spouse/brother/son authorising her travel for Hajj pilgrimage
Securing Your Document Repository Before Travelling To Saudi Arabia
All Indian applicants who wish to get their visa for Saudi Arabia should seek out the checklist pertaining to different types of visa and the supporting documents. For their respective visa, all requisite documents should be duly arranged,maintained and post attestation, submitted to the designated office to ensure a smooth visa application process.Though it might seemingly appear as a mundane task but, organising your visa documentation repository makes a traveller’s trip to a foreign shore hassle free.