Understanding the E-Visa Options for Indians
For Indian passport holders, there are two primary routes to securing a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia as of 2026. The first and most straightforward path is for those who already hold a valid and previously used tourist or business visa for the United
States, United Kingdom, or any Schengen country. These travellers can often obtain a visa on arrival by flying with a Saudi national carrier like Saudia or Flynas, or apply for an e-visa online through the official portal. The second route, which is the focus for many, is the packaged e-visa. This is designed for tourists who do not meet the first criteria. Instead of a standalone application, the visa is bundled with flights and hotel bookings through an approved travel agency, streamlining the process into a single transaction.
The 'Package Visa' Explained
The headline's warning to 'check the package conditions' refers directly to this bundled visa process. In mid-2026, Saudi Arabia rolled out a pilot 'Package Visa' program for several countries, including India. This system integrates the visa application with the purchase of a complete travel package. To be eligible, travellers must book a package that includes a confirmed return flight, accommodation at a hotel licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, and mandatory health insurance. The visa is not issued separately; its approval is tied to the confirmation of these travel components. This is designed to simplify the journey for visitors, but it also means your visa is dependent on the specifics of your booked itinerary.
Key Conditions to Scrutinise Before Booking
Before committing to a package, it's crucial to examine the fine print. First, ensure the tour operator is officially approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Second, check the minimum trip duration, which is typically two days. There is also often a minimum package value; reports in July 2026 cited a starting price of around 4,000 Saudi riyals (approximately ₹1,00,920) for the initial two days. You must also verify the cancellation and refund policies for the entire package, as the visa, flights, and hotels are linked. Your hotel booking must cover the entire duration of your stay as per your flight tickets. Finally, confirm all included costs—visa fee, insurance, service charges, and taxes—to avoid any last-minute surprises.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
For the package route, the process begins with selecting an authorised travel partner. You will choose a pre-designed or customised package that meets the minimum requirements. You will then need to provide essential documents, including a passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages, along with a recent passport-sized photograph. The travel agency handles the application submission. They will upload your details and booking confirmations to the official portal. Once verified, the e-visa is issued electronically and is tied to your package. For those applying directly using a US, UK, or Schengen visa, the process involves filling out a form on the official Saudi e-visa portal, uploading documents, and paying the fee online.
Important Visa Details and Restrictions
It is important to note a significant change that took effect in early 2025. Saudi Arabia suspended the one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian nationals. As of September 2026, new tourist e-visas are typically issued for a single entry, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. This means that for each new trip, a fresh visa application and fee are required. Furthermore, the standard tourist e-visa, whether obtained via a package or directly, can be used to perform Umrah. However, it is not valid for the Hajj pilgrimage, which requires a separate, quota-controlled visa issued through the Haj Committee of India.
