India entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The eVisa is valid for 60 days from arrival and allows single or double entry. As of 2026, the application is entirely online and typically takes 3-5 business days.
Apply for India eVisae-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical Visa. Apply 4+ days before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Saudi passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least $300–$500 USD in cash or on a card for shorter trips. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look underfunded they can deny entry. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in India, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
eVisa processing time
Most eVisa applications are processed within 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid last-minute issues. You can check your application status online.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official Indian eVisa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a recent passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $25-$100 depending on visa type and processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3-5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval document. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — no physical sticker needed.
3
Arrival at Indian Airport
At immigration, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport. You'll be asked for your return ticket and accommodation address — have them ready. The process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. 2,100 INR)
Standard single-entry visa; apply at Indian embassy.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$40 USD (approx. 3,360 INR)
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$80 USD (approx. 6,720 INR)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Medical Visa
Max stay60 days
Validity6 months
Cost$25 USD (approx. 2,100 INR)
For medical treatment; requires hospital documents.
work visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$120 USD (approx. 10,080 INR)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
$80 USD (approx. 6,720 INR)
For full-time study at a recognized Indian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 12,600 INR)
For entrepreneurs investing in India. Minimum investment varies by sector. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Visa (not officially available)
N/A
N/A
India does not offer a specific retirement visa. Long-term stays for retirees are not possible under current immigration rules.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist, 30 days)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders; non-refundable. | $25 USD (approx. 2,100 INR) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 1 year)Multiple entries allowed; longer validity. | $40 USD (approx. 3,360 INR) |
| eVisa (Tourist, 5 years)Multiple entries; for frequent visitors. | $80 USD (approx. 6,720 INR) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstay; no cap mentioned officially. | $50 USD per day (approx. 4,200 INR/day) |
| eVisa extension (FRRO)Possible for medical or emergency reasons; subject to approval. | $25 USD (approx. 2,100 INR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for up to 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travellers to these regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
East Block VIII, Level 2, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handle eVisa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and proof of reason.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For extension and visa issues; appointment recommended.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.39 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The eVisa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. It allows single or double entry, depending on the visa type you select. You must enter India within 120 days of the eVisa approval date.
No, the eVisa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa restrictions.
Rejections are rare but can happen due to incomplete forms, incorrect photo, or passport validity issues. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no appeal process, but you can contact the Indian embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah for guidance.
Not usually, but it's wise to have a credit card or cash (around $200-300) available if asked. Immigration officers rarely request it for short tourist visits.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. It's also valid at 5 seaports (Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochi, and Mangalore).
No, it's not mandatory for the eVisa application or entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in India can be high. Some travellers have been asked about insurance at immigration, so having it is a good idea.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show a confirmed onward or return ticket. Always book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.