Understanding the 'Integrated' E-Visa
Saudi Arabia has significantly opened its doors to tourism, and for Indian citizens, this includes several electronic visa (e-visa) pathways. The term 'integrated' refers to two main streamlined processes. The first and most common route is for Indians
who already hold a valid, used tourist or business visa from the USA, UK, or a Schengen country. This existing visa makes them eligible to apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa online through a simplified process. The second is a newer "Package Visa" service, which allows travellers from India to get an e-visa as part of an integrated travel booking with an approved provider. This combines flight, hotel, and visa applications into a single step. Both routes are designed to be faster and more convenient than traditional embassy applications.
Who Is Eligible for the Tourist E-Visa?
All Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Eligibility for the faster e-visa routes depends on your travel history and documents. The most direct path is for those holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. To qualify, this visa must have been used at least once to enter the issuing country or region. GCC residents with a valid residency of at least three months are also eligible for the e-visa. For those without these specific visas, the newly introduced Package Visa is an alternative, available exclusively to citizens of seven countries, including India. This requires booking a travel package with a minimum 4-star hotel through an approved platform. The standard tourist e-visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days and is typically a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, covering tourism, family visits, and Umrah (outside of the Hajj season).
Documents You Will Need to Apply
Before starting your online application, it’s best to have all your documents ready. The requirements are straightforward for a smooth process. You will need a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry and at least two blank pages. A recent, passport-sized digital photograph with a plain white background is also mandatory. If you are applying based on an existing visa, you will need a clear copy of your valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, which should show an entry stamp from the issuing country. You'll also need proof of accommodation, such as a confirmed hotel booking for your stay in the Kingdom, and details of your return flight tickets.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for the Saudi tourist e-visa is done entirely online. The first step is to visit the official Saudi e-visa portal, visa.visitsaudi.com. You will need to create an account to begin the process. Carefully fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. During the application, you will be prompted to upload the required documents, such as your passport scan, photograph, and the copy of your qualifying visa if applicable. After completing the form and uploading documents, the final step is to pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee for the tourist e-visa includes the cost of mandatory medical insurance for your trip.
Fees, Processing, and Receiving Your Visa
The cost for the Saudi tourist e-visa is paid in Saudi Riyals but is generally equivalent to around USD 120-150, though this can fluctuate. This fee automatically includes mandatory health insurance coverage for emergencies during your stay. Once the application is submitted and payment is complete, processing is typically very fast. Many applicants receive their approved e-visa via email within a few hours to a couple of business days. Standard processing time is generally cited as 3 to 7 working days, so it's wise to apply at least two weeks before your travel date to be safe. After approval, you will receive the e-visa as a PDF document. You should print a copy of this and carry it with you, along with your passport, when you travel to Saudi Arabia.
