Indian eVisa for Saudi Arabian Citizens in 2026

There is no match for India’s intricate monuments – you have the Taj Mahal in the North and Kazimar Big Mosque in the South.

The best part is that as a Saudi, you can now conveniently apply for an India eVisa online to explore these iconic monuments and many other attractions across India.

Here’s everything you need to know about India eVisa for Saudi Arabian citizens: eligibility criteria, document requirements, fees, processing times, and more.

Types of India eVisas for Saudi Arabian Tourists

India offers three types of eVisas for Saudi Arabian tourists, each with different validity periods and permitted stays:

India eVisa Fees for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Here is the fee structure for the different types of Indian tourist eVisas for Saudis:

An additional 2.5% bank charge applies to the India eVisa fees for Saudi Arabian applicants.

India eVisa Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Arabian Nationals

To qualify for an India eVisa, Saudi Arabian citizens must fulfill the following requirements:

• Passport Validity: Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity from arriving in India.
• Purpose of Visit: Your visit must be for tourism, recreation, sightseeing, a casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short-duration medical treatment, or a casual business visit.
• International Arrival: You must arrive in India through 28 designated international airports or 5 designated seaports.

India eVisa Document Requirements for Saudi Visitors

When applying for an India eVisa from Saudi Arabia, you need to submit the following documents:

1. Passport:
   • A scanned copy of your passport’s bio page
   • The passport must have at least two blank pages
   • The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
2. Photo:
   • A recent front-facing photograph with a white background
   • Photo dimensions: 350 x 350 pixels minimum, 1000 x 1000 pixels maximum
   • File size: Minimum 10 KB, maximum 1 MB
3. Payment: Credit or debit card details for online payment of visa fees

How To Apply For India eVisa from Saudi Arabians?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for an India visa as a Saudi Arabian citizen:

Step 1: Visit the official Indian eVisa website. Click on the “Apply Here” button.

Step 2: Select the eVisa type (tourist Visa), fill in your arrival and departure details, and complete the application form with:

• Personal details
• Passport details
• Address details
• Family details

Step 3: Upload the required documents:

• Passport page scan
• Front-facing photograph

Step 4: Make the eVisa fee payment using a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Submit your India visa application. You will receive an Application ID to track your visa status.

Visa Processing Time and Next Steps

• Visa Processing Time: India eVisa processing for Saudi Arabian citizens usually takes 72 hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 4 days.
• Track Application: Click “Visa Enquiry” on the Indian eVisa website and enter your Application ID to check your eVisa status.
• eVisa Approval: Your India eVisa will be sent to your registered email once approved. Take a color printout.
• Immigration Check: At the Indian immigration checkpoint, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The immigration officer will stamp your eVisa, permitting entry into India.

India eVisa Rejection Reasons for Saudi Arabian Applicants

An India visa application from Saudi Arabia may be rejected due to:

1. Incorrect or incomplete information in the application form
2. Unclear or unacceptable passport page scan or photograph
3. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria
4. Adverse background check results
5. Incorrect eVisa fee payment

Top Reasons to Visit India for Saudi Arabian Tourists

Climate

India experiences a wide range of climatic conditions. The best time to visit most parts of India is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures and low humidity.

April to June is hot, while July to September is the monsoon season. Pack light cotton clothing for summer and warm layers for winter, especially if visiting North India.

Flight

• Many airlines, including Air India, Saudi Airlines, and Emirates, operate direct flights from Saudi Arabia to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
• The flight duration ranges from 3 to 5 hours.
• Round-trip fares start from around SAR 1500 (approximately INR 30,000).

Visa Requirements

Saudi Arabian citizens need a valid eVisa to enter India. The eVisa application process is entirely online, and the fees range from $25 to $80 (SAR 93.75 to SAR 300), depending on the eVisa type. The processing time is usually 72 hours.

Currency Exchange and Affordability

The Indian rupee (INR) is India’s official currency. 1 SAR is equal to approximately 22 INR. India is an affordable destination compared to many other countries.

A one-week trip to India can cost around SAR 3000-4000 (INR 60,000-80,000) per person, including accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing.

Tourism Trends and Popularity

India is a popular tourist destination for Saudi Arabians. In 2019, over 200,000 Saudi tourists visited India. Many Saudi tourists are attracted to India’s rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, scenic beauty, and spiritual experiences.

Language Support

English is widely spoken in India, especially in the tourism industry. Most signs and announcements are in English and the local language.

Many tourist guides and hotel staff speak Arabic to cater to visitors from the Middle East.

Religious and Cultural Ties

India and Saudi Arabia have strong cultural and religious ties. Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with over 200 million Muslims. There are several notable Islamic pilgrimage sites in India, such as the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Haji Ali Dargah.

Saudi tourists can also visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz.

FAQs

1. What is an India tourist visa, and who can apply?

An India tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals, including Saudi Arabian citizens, to enter India for tourism purposes. Tourists can apply for an eVisa online without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate.

2. What documents are needed for an India eVisa?

To apply for an India eVisa, you need a valid passport, a recent front-facing photograph, and a credit or debit card for online payment.

3. How long is the India eVisa valid for Saudi Arabian citizens?

The validity of an India eVisa for Saudi Arabian citizens depends on the eVisa type:

• 30 days double-entry eVisa, valid for 30 days from arrival
• 1-year multiple-entry eVisa, valid for 1 year from issue
• 5 years multiple-entry eVisa, valid for 5 years from issue

4. How much does an India eVisa cost?

The India eVisa fees for Saudi Arabian citizens are:

• 30 days eVisa: $25 (SAR 93.75)
• 1 year eVisa: $40 (SAR 150)
• 5 years eVisa: $80 (SAR 300)

An additional 2.5% bank charge applies.

5. Can I apply for an India eVisa on arrival?

No, you must apply for an India eVisa online before your trip. eVisas are not issued on arrival in India.

6. What should I do if my India eVisa application is rejected?

If your India eVisa application is rejected, check the reason for the rejection provided. You may need to reapply with the correct information or supporting documents.

7. Can I extend my India eVisa?

No, India eVisas cannot be extended. You must apply for a new eVisa if you wish to stay longer than the permitted duration.

8. Do I need to carry a printout of my India eVisa?

Yes, you must carry a color printout of your India eVisa to present at the Indian immigration checkpoint.

9. How long does India eVisa processing take?

The processing time for India eVisa for Saudi Arabian citizens is 72 hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 4 days.