Saudi Arabia Opens E-Visa Access for Indian Passport Holders with UK, US, and Schengen Visas

In a significant move aimed at bolstering tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority has announced that Indian passport holders possessing valid visas for the United Kingdom, the United States, or Schengen countries, which have been utilized at least once, are now eligible to apply for Saudi e-visas online.

This landmark decision was revealed by the President of the Saudi Tourism Authority (Asia Pacific) in an exclusive interview with the Times of India (TOI).

Simplified Entry with 96-Hour Stopover Visa and VFS Tasheel Offices

To enhance the ease of travel for prospective visitors, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 96-hour stopover visa, allowing travelers to briefly explore the country during layovers.

Additionally, to facilitate the visa application process, nine VFS Tasheel Visa offices have been established throughout India, providing secure and efficient administrative services to help kick-start the journey of experiencing Saudi Arabia.

India Emerges as a Key Market for Saudi Tourism

With its diverse attractions and cultural richness, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in interest from Indian tourists. Notably, approximately one million Indian visitors venture to Saudi Arabia annually, making India one of the fastest-growing markets for the country.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Saudi Tourism Authority (Asia Pacific), aspires to elevate this partnership even further. He aims to draw over a crore visitors from India by 2030, spanning various categories such as leisure, culture, heritage, and adventure experiences.

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Transitioning from Pilgrim Destination to Tourist Hotspot

As Saudi Arabia seeks to transform its image from a pilgrim-oriented destination to a multifaceted tourist hotspot, Indian travellers have played a pivotal role in this transition.

In 2022, Indian tourists constituted 20 per cent of the outbound trips, demonstrating their growing affinity for Saudi Arabia. Aldabbagh emphasized that the potential for growth remains immense.

The President envisions that the number of Indian visitors will double in 2023 and reach an ambitious target of over 12 million by 2030, encompassing a wide spectrum of visitation purposes.

Innovative Campaigns and Partnerships

To further entice Indian travellers, Saudi Arabia has devised creative campaigns and strategic collaborations. In conjunction with the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), the nation has launched seasonal campaigns and tailor-made promotional packages, positioning Saudi Arabia as the preeminent leisure destination for Indian tourists.

An upcoming Diwali campaign is also on the horizon, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing connections with Indian travellers.

Strengthened Air Connectivity

A cornerstone of enhancing travel convenience, Saudi Arabia has taken substantial measures to enhance air connectivity between the two nations.

Presently, there are 243 direct flights from India to Saudi Arabia weekly, a number that has risen to 290 post-Eid celebrations, reflecting the burgeoning enthusiasm for travel between the two nations.

Final Words

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to allow Indian passport holders with UK, US, and Schengen visas to apply for e-visas marks a pivotal step in fostering tourism between the two nations. With innovative initiatives, strategic campaigns, and a vision for growth, Saudi Arabia is poised to welcome a significant surge of Indian visitors in the years ahead.

(Source and Inputs from TOI)