Gateways to the Subcontinent: Indian Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens and Indian Visa for UAE Citizens

India, a nation pulsating with vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and burgeoning economic opportunities, continues to be a magnet for travelers worldwide.1 For citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, securing an Indian visa is an essential step towards experiencing this dynamic country. While both nationalities can benefit from India's streamlined e-Visa system, there are specific nuances and traditional pathways to consider for both Indian Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens and Indian Visa for UAE Citizens.

The Evolution of Indian Visa Application

In recent years, the Government of India has significantly modernized its visa services, with the e-Visa facility being a cornerstone of this transformation. This online platform has simplified the application process for various travel purposes, including tourism, business, and medical visits, making it more accessible and efficient for many foreign nationals.2 However, traditional paper visa applications through Indian Embassies/Consulates and their authorized outsourcing partners remain available for those who prefer this method or for specific visa categories not covered by the e-Visa.

Indian Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens

Saudi Arabia citizens are eligible for India's e-Visa facility, which is often the most convenient route for short-term travel.3

e-Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens:

The e-Visa is highly recommended for Saudi Arabia citizens embarking on journeys for tourism, business, or medical purposes.

• Eligibility: Saudi nationals can apply for the following e-Visa categories:

1. e-Tourist Visa (for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, short-term yoga programs, short medical treatments, etc.)

2. e-Business Visa (for attending meetings, establishing ventures, selling/purchasing goods, recruiting, attending trade fairs, etc.)

3. e-Medical Visa (for medical treatment)

4. e-Medical Attendant Visa (for accompanying a patient)4

5. e-Conference Visa

1. e-Tourist Visas for Saudi citizens are available in options such as 30-day (double entry), 1-year (multiple entry, with a continuous stay not exceeding 90 days per visit), and 5-year (multiple entry, with a continuous stay not exceeding 180 days per visit).5

2. e-Business Visas are generally valid for one year from the date of ETA grant, allowing multiple entries with each continuous stay not exceeding 180 days.

1. Access the Official Portal: Navigate to the authentic Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. It's crucial to use only this official site to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.

2. Complete the Online Form: Fill in all required personal, passport, and travel details accurately. Any inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection.6

3. Upload Documents:

• A scanned color copy of the passport's bio page (showing photograph and details).7 The passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India.

• A recent digital passport-style photograph (JPEG format, plain white or light-colored background, full face, front view, eyes open).8

• Supporting documents specific to your visa type (e.g., a business card and an invitation letter from an Indian company for an e-Business Visa, or a letter from an Indian hospital for an e-Medical Visa).9

Traditional Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens (Through VFS Global):

For specific visa categories not covered by e-Visa (e.g., employment, research, or for longer durations, or if an e-Visa is not granted), Saudi Arabia citizens can apply for a traditional sticker visa through VFS Global, the authorized outsourcing agency for the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.12

• Process:

1. Complete the online visa application form on indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.13 Print the filled form.

2. Gather all necessary documents, which are generally more extensive for traditional visas. These include original passport (valid for at least six months), two recent passport-sized photographs, copy of Saudi ID/Iqama, confirmed hotel accommodation, flight tickets, and letters from employers/sponsors or bank statements. For business visas, a letter from your Saudi business attested by the Chamber of Commerce is essential, along with an invitation letter from India.

3. Submit your application in person at a VFS Global India Visa Application Centre in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, etc.). Biometric data capture is mandatory for most applicants (except senior citizens above 70 and minors below 12, or those who have provided biometrics in the last 5 years).14

Indian Visa for UAE Citizens

UAE citizens also have the benefit of the e-Visa system, making their travel to India considerably convenient.15

e-Visa for UAE Citizens:

The e-Visa is the most popular choice for UAE citizens due to its speed and ease of application.

• Eligibility: UAE citizens are eligible for all primary e-Visa categories: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference visas.

• Validity & Stay: Similar to Saudi citizens, UAE citizens can opt for e-Tourist Visas with 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year validity (with varying continuous stay limits).16 e-Business Visas are typically for one year, allowing multiple entries with individual stays up to 180 days.17

• Application Process: The steps are identical to those for Saudi citizens:

1. Apply online at the official Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.18

2. Fill out the application form with complete and accurate information.

3. Upload the scanned passport bio page and a recent digital photograph. Note that for locals wearing a Qandoura, the background should be light blue.

4. Upload any additional documents specific to the visa type (e.g., hospital letter for e-Medical, invitation for e-Business).

5. Pay the visa fee online.

6. Receive and print the ETA, then present it upon arrival in India.

Traditional Visa for UAE Citizens (Through BLS International):

For cases not suited for e-Visa, UAE citizens can apply for a traditional sticker visa through BLS International, the official service provider for the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

• Process:

1. Complete the online application form on indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.19 Print and sign it.

2. Gather all necessary supporting documents. For UAE residents (non-Emirati nationals), this includes a copy of their valid UAE residence visa, tenancy contracts, or utility bills as proof of residency. Specific categories like housemaids or journalists have additional requirements.

3. Submit the application in person at a BLS International center in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, etc.).

Key Advisory for All Applicants:

• Official Sources: Always rely on the official Indian government e-Visa portal and the websites of the Indian Embassies/Consulates in Saudi Arabia and the UAE (or their designated outsourcing partners like VFS Global or BLS International) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

• Accuracy is Vital: Double-check all information before submission. Errors can lead to rejection and wasted time/money.20

• Document Checklist: Ensure all required documents, especially supporting letters and photographs, adhere to the specified formats and content.

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your intended arrival date in India.

• Apply in Advance: While e-Visas are efficient, applying well in advance of your travel date is always recommended to mitigate unforeseen delays.21

• Purpose of Visit: Select the visa category that precisely matches your purpose of travel to avoid complications.

By carefully adhering to these guidelines, both Indian Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens and Indian Visa for UAE Citizens can be obtained smoothly, facilitating seamless entry into India for an enriching experience.