Saudi Arabia has unveiled a 96-hour free visa for Indian citizens, a move hailed as significant for bolstering travel between the two nations. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Saudi Tourism Authority – Asia Pacific, revealed this development, underscoring India's pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism sector.
This streamlined visa access encompasses 10 VFS offices in India, with further expansion plans. Indian citizens can now undertake Umrah on business, tourism, and Umrah visas, confirmed by Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, in New Delhi.
An integral part of this initiative is introducing a stopover program offering a 96-hour free visa to travellers via Saudi Airlines or Flynas, a private low-cost Saudi airline. Moreover, travellers with US, UK, or Schengen visas qualify for an e-visa or visa on arrival, simplifying travel procedures.
Highlighting the significance of the Indian market, Alhasan Aldabbagh emphasized Saudi Arabia's aim to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, building on last year's remarkable 50 per cent growth. The newly introduced visa, valid for three months and free of charge, allows a four-day stay in Saudi Arabia. Beneficiaries can engage in activities like Umrah, visits to the Prophet's mosque, or participation in tourism events.
To streamline the application process, Aldabbagh mentioned that applications would be automatically transferred to the unified national visa platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), ensuring swift processing and issuance of the digital visa, delivered via email.
In line with its long-term goals, Saudi Arabia is striving to draw investments totalling 220 billion Saudi Riyals in the tourism sector by 2023 and 500 billion Saudi Riyals by 2030, as stated by the Minister of Tourism. This endeavour plays a crucial role in strengthening bonds and advancing tourism between Saudi Arabia and India.