Saudi Arabia: A Rapidly Evolving Destination for Indian Travellers
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism in 2019 after decades of restricting visitor visas. Since then, the country has invested massively in tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030. Indian arrivals to Saudi Arabia (including both Umrah pilgrims and leisure tourists) are substantial. Over 25 lakh Indians visited Saudi Arabia in 2023, with Riyadh and Jeddah the dominant tourist destinations alongside the Umrah pilgrimage circuit (Saudi Tourism Authority, 2024). An e-Visa system makes the process significantly easier than before.
TL;DR: Saudi Arabia has an e-Visa for Indian nationals, valid for 1 year with multiple entries. Air India, IndiGo, SaudiArabia Airlines, and flynas connect India to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Return fares start at ₹18,000. Riyadh, Jeddah’s old city, and AlUla are the top draws. Book at happyfares.in.
Flights from India to Saudi Arabia
Multiple Indian and Saudi carriers operate this busy corridor. Connections from major Indian cities are frequent, with Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) as the primary entry points.
Airlines Operating India-Saudi Arabia Routes
- Air India: Delhi, Mumbai to Riyadh and Jeddah. Good full-service option.
- IndiGo: Multiple Indian cities to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam (DMM). High frequency, competitive pricing.
- Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines): Riyadh and Jeddah to multiple Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi.
- flynas: Budget Saudi carrier, competitive fares from Indian cities.
Compare all available fares at happyfares.in.
Approximate Return Fares from India to Saudi Arabia
- Economy (budget, booked ahead): ₹18,000-₹28,000 return
- Economy (standard): ₹28,000-₹45,000 return
- Business class: ₹80,000-₹1,50,000+ return
Saudi Arabia e-Visa for Indian Nationals
The Saudi Tourism e-Visa (eVisa) is available for Indian nationals and can be applied for completely online through the Saudi Arabia official visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). It’s a multi-entry, 1-year visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). This has dramatically simplified the process for Indian travellers visiting for tourism.
e-Visa Details
- Validity: 1 year from issue date
- Entries: Multiple
- Max stay per visit: 90 days
- Fee: Approximately SAR 300 (~₹6,600) plus processing charges
- Processing time: Usually within 24-72 hours for straightforward applications
- Apply at: visa.visitsaudi.com (official Saudi government portal)
Important: Umrah Visa vs Tourist Visa
If your primary purpose is the Umrah pilgrimage, you need an Umrah visa through an authorised tour operator, not the tourist eVisa. The tourist eVisa does allow visiting mosques in Jeddah’s Al-Balad area, but access to Makkah and Madinah’s holy sites remains restricted to Muslims only, regardless of visa type.
Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
November to March is the ideal window. Saudi summers (May-September) are extremely harsh, with Riyadh temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C. Winter months bring pleasant temperatures of 15-25°C in Riyadh and Jeddah. The Riyadh Season festival (usually November-February) offers massive entertainment events, concerts, and attractions across the capital.
Top Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
- Diriyah (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2023): Ancient capital of the Saudi state, beautifully restored
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Excellent overview of Arabian history
- Kingdom Centre Tower: Iconic skybridge with views of Riyadh
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): Dramatic escarpment 90 km from Riyadh, sunrise views are spectacular
Jeddah
- Al-Balad (Historic District): UNESCO-listed old city with coral-built architecture, spice souks, and working trading houses
- King Fahd Fountain: World’s tallest fountain, visible from the Jeddah Corniche
- Red Sea coast: Jeddah has some of the best dive sites in the Middle East
AlUla
AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular new destination. The ancient Nabataean tombs of Hegra (pre-date Petra in Jordan) are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access is controlled and tours are ticketed. Book AlUla tours well in advance.
Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Saudi Arabia
- Dress code: As of 2019 reforms, tourists are not required to wear abaya or thobe. However, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is expected in public spaces and required at religious sites.
- Alcohol: Saudi Arabia has a strict no-alcohol policy. No alcohol is available anywhere in the country.
- Food: Excellent halal food is available everywhere. Indian restaurants are abundant in Riyadh and Jeddah due to the large Indian expat community.
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 SAR is approximately ₹22 INR (2026). ATMs are widely available.
- Transport: Uber and Careem operate extensively in Riyadh and Jeddah. Public transport is limited outside the Riyadh Metro.
Frequently Asked Questions: Saudi Arabia from India
Can Indian tourists get a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Indians can apply for a tourist eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com. The multi-entry, 1-year visa costs approximately ₹6,600 and processing usually takes 24-72 hours.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for Indian tourists?
Saudi Arabia is generally considered safe for tourists. Crime rates are low and tourist areas are well-monitored. The standard advisory is to respect local laws and customs, particularly regarding dress and public behaviour.
Can non-Muslims visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The tourist eVisa is available to people of all religions. Non-Muslims can visit most parts of the country. However, access to Makkah and Madinah’s holy precincts is restricted to Muslims only.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Riyadh?
The Delhi to Riyadh flight takes approximately 4 hours 30 minutes non-stop. Jeddah is slightly further at about 5 hours from Delhi.
What Indian food is available in Saudi Arabia?
Excellent. Riyadh and Jeddah have hundreds of Indian restaurants catering to the large Indian expatriate community. From South Indian dosas to North Indian thali, options are plentiful and often very good.
Book Saudi Arabia Flights on HappyFares
Compare Air India, IndiGo, Saudia, and flynas fares from your city to Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam at happyfares.in. Set a price alert and plan your Saudi trip with confidence.
