Saudi Business Visa from India

Introduction

In today’s global economy, Saudi Arabia stands out as a center of business opportunities, attracting entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world. For Indian businessmen looking to explore the Saudi market, obtaining a Saudi business visa from India is the first step.

The two countries have become increasingly connected with flights linking 12 major hubs in India to Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. In 2023, Saudi Arabia received 50 percent more visitors from India. The kingdom aims to bring in 7.5 million Indian visitors from 2024 to 2031.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of securing a business visa from India, covering everything from eligibility criteria to required documentation and application procedures.

Understanding the Saudi business visa

Before diving into the intricacies of the application process, it’s essential to understand what a Saudi business visa entails.

A business visa is a temporary permit granted to individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for commercial purposes, such as meetings, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities. It facilitates legitimate business activities within the Kingdom for a specified period, without authorizing employment.

As Saudi Arabia boosts its trade and commercial relations with India, business travelers may want to know the different business visa options available to them. Let’s look into these, along with their respective eligibility, validity, application process, requirements, and more.

Option 1: The Saudi business e-visa

The simplest and easiest way travelers can obtain a Saudi visa for business is to obtain a Saudi electronic visa/e-visa or visa on arrival. The great thing about it is that the Saudi e-visa allows visitors to perform a variety of purposes, from business, tourism, seeking medical treatment, visiting family and friends, to performing Umrah.

Saudi authorities have made certain nationalities eligible for a Saudi e-visa. Although India is not among the eligible countries, other conditions allow an Indian citizen or resident to apply for a Saudi e-visa.

Eligibility

The following can apply for an e-visa, provided they are:

1. Citizens of the following countries:

North America: Canada, Panama, USA, Saint Kitts, and Nevis

Europe: Andorra, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom,

Asia: Brunei, China (Including Hong Kong And Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Tajikistan, Turkey, Thailand, Uzbekistan

Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

2. Permanent residents in the USA, EU, or the UK

3. Holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK)

4. Residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates)

Note that dual citizenships from the mentioned countries also make you eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. This means that Indian citizens and residents who have eligible dual citizenship or have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa that has been used at least once may apply for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

Application

If you are an eligible dual citizen or a US, UK, or Schengen visa holder, all you need to do is visit KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s easy-to-use portal, sign up for an account, provide your visa information as well as your personal and passport information, pay for the insurance and visa application fees, and just wait for the e-visa to be e-mailed.

Requirements

To apply for a Saudi business e-visa, you will need the following:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Digital passport photo with a white background (in JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP file formats; not bigger than 100 KB; and 200×200 pixels in dimension)
• Accomplished application form
• Health insurance
• Invitation letter

Note that you will be given the option to apply for a business e-visa with or without an invitation letter. If you have an invitation letter, you’ll need to indicate the invitation letter number and the passport or Iqama (resident permit) number of your sponsor or the inviting entity in Saudi Arabia. The invitation letter must also prove your relationship with the inviting company and explain the business purpose of the invitation.

If you will be applying for a business e-visa without an invitation letter, make sure to note information about your work in the visa application form.

Validity

The Saudi business e-visa will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and it will be valid for multiple entries. You can stay for a total of 3 months or 90 days in Saudi Arabia, as long as your Schengen visa is still valid during your stay. Note that once you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

Visa fees

The fees for a Saudi business e-visa include the following:

• $80 visa fee (refundable)
• $10.50 Visa Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• $10.50 Insurance Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• Insurance fees (depending on the insurance company chosen)

Payment must be made in Saudi Riyals with an international debit or credit card. Note that the visa fees are non-refundable in case the e-visa is rejected.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between one to two business days. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option is the visa on arrival, a type of visa that is issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi business e-visa instead ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

With the visa on arrival, travelers don’t need to apply for the visa beforehand. A visa on arrival is typically issued at the airport after the traveler submits certain documents as indicated by immigration authorities.

Eligibility

The same conditions as for the Saudi e-visa apply to the eligibility for a Saudi visa on arrival: citizens of the identified eligible countries; permanent US, UK, and EU residents; holders of active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas with at least one entry stamp; and GCC nationals and residents.

Application

You can apply for a Saudi visa on arrival in two ways: using a self-service kiosk or heading to a passport control desk.

For the self-service option, you should go to the passport control area once you arrive at one of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. There, approach any of the available self-service kiosks, where you’ll scan your passport, enter your personal and passport information, and indicate details of your accommodation while in Saudi Arabia, before scanning your fingerprints for biometrics and taking your photo.

The final steps include selecting your medical insurance provider in Saudi Arabia and paying for the visa-on-arrival fees.

Alternatively, you can go through an immigration officer at passport control, go through the same process, provide the same information, and pay the corresponding fees to receive a Saudi visa on arrival.

Requirements

If you’re eligible for a Saudi visa on arrival, you’ll just need the following:

• If you are a holder of an active US, UK, or Schengen visa, you should have at least one entry stamp in your passport using the visa).
• A passport that has a validity period of at least 6 months at the time of the trip

Visa fees

The total visa application fee amounts to SAR 480 ($127.98), which already includes the cost of health insurance and taxes. Note that visa fees are non-refundable.

Validity

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days. The single-entry visa on arrival, meanwhile, is valid for 3 months from its date of issuance, and travelers can stay for up to 30 days.

Processing time

Once you’ve gone through the application process, and assuming there are no issues with your information, it only takes between 5 to 30 minutes for your Saudi on-arrival visa to be issued.

Option 3: Business Visa Via VFS Tasheer or the Saudi embassy

If you are ineligible for an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or a transit/stopover visa, you might be eligible to apply for a Saudi visa by applying through the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. Note that many Saudi embassies or consulates may no longer accept visa applications and will refer you instead to a VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Tasheer or the KSA Visa platform.

For a list of VFS Tasheer locations in India, click here. The Saudi Arabia embassy in India, meanwhile, is located at EP 30 Chandergupta Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi -110021, with contact number 00911124102000 and e-mail address: inemb@mofa.gov.sa.

Eligibility

People of all nationalities are welcome to apply for a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate.

Application

To book a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer, you’ll need to book an appointment at https://vc.tasheer.com/appointment. Select your nationality and the visa you are applying for. On the day of your appointment, submit your supporting documents, get your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken, before paying the visa fees.

Similar to the VFS, you will need to schedule an appointment at a Saudi embassy/consulate to submit your supporting documents, your fingerprints to be scanned, and your photo taken, before paying the visa fees.

Requirements

When applying for a Saudi business visa from India through a VFS Tasheer or a Saudi embassy/consulate, you will typically need to prepare the following:

• Clear photocopy of your passport (with at least 6 months’ worth of validity remaining)
• 2 copies of a passport-sized photo
• Birth and/or marriage certificate of the applicant
• Invitation letter from inviting company

Visa fees

Note that the fees will vary per VFS location or Saudi embassy/consulate. Some VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate may only accept cash, while others may also accept international debit or credit cards.

Validity

Generally, standard Saudi visit visas have a total stay duration of 90 days, whether for a single-entry visa (valid for 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid for 365 days).

Processing time

Depending on your location and the volume of VFS customers, it may take a few business days to a few weeks for your visa application to be processed. Note that the processing time may be longer if the VFS Tasheer asks you for additional supporting documents or information.

For the embassy/consulate, meanwhile, visa processing times will vary and can take a few days to a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we now know about the different routes to obtaining a Saudi business visa from India, we may not have exhausted all relevant topics. The following are answers to related frequently asked questions.

How can I cancel my Saudi business visa?

Once a visa has been issued, its visa fees cannot be refunded and cannot be canceled. If you would like to cancel a business visa before it is issued, an automatic refund request will be submitted and processed within 45-60 business days.

Can I work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa?

No, you may not work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa. A business visa is different from a work visa. A work visa is required for you to legally work in Saudi Arabia, while a business visa allows you to engage in business activities in Saudi Arabia.

How long can I attend a business conference if I have a Saudi business visa?

There’s no set period for attending conferences. Just make sure that you do not sign any type of employment contract.

Are there any restrictions on business activities allowed under a Saudi business visit visa?

While a Saudi business visit visa allows visitors to engage in legitimate business-related matters within the Kingdom, they must refrain from seeking employment, taking part in any illegal activities, or getting into unauthorized business activities.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi business visa from India is a crucial step for entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to explore opportunities in the Kingdom’s thriving economy.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing your application diligently, and navigating the process effectively, you can maximize your chances of securing a business visa and embarking on a successful business venture in Saudi Arabia. Remember to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.

For more information on how to obtain a Saudi business visa from India, visit KSA Visa.

Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay