Short-Stay Visa Exemption Between Saudi Arabia and India: A New Era for Tourism

Published on December 21, 2025

In a move set to enhance tourism between the two nations, Saudi Arabia and India have agreed on a mutual short-stay visa exemption for citizens of both countries. This new agreement, which was officially announced this week, is expected to open up new opportunities for travelers from India to visit Saudi Arabia and vice versa. With a focus on tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, the visa exemption will benefit citizens of both nations traveling for stays of up to 90 days.

The agreement comes at a time of growing economic and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India. As both countries work towards enhancing bilateral relations, this new visa policy aims to make travel more convenient for citizens and create a more robust tourism exchange. It is expected to attract more Indian visitors to Saudi Arabia, particularly for tourism, religious pilgrimages, and business travel, while also encouraging Saudi tourists to visit India for leisure, cultural exploration, and tourism purposes.

Easier Travel for Indian and Saudi Citizens

The mutual visa exemption will significantly reduce the administrative burden and costs for travelers from both Saudi Arabia and India. Previously, citizens of both nations were required to obtain visas for short stays, which often involved long processing times and additional costs. With the new agreement, travelers can now enter each country without the need for a visa for up to 90 days, provided the purpose of their visit aligns with the stipulations of the agreement, such as tourism, business, or family visits.

This development is expected to facilitate increased tourism flows between Saudi Arabia and India, both of which have rich cultural, religious, and historical landmarks that attract visitors. The ease of travel will allow for more spontaneous trips, making it easier for tourists to visit key sites in both countries. For Saudi citizens, this could mean visiting popular Indian tourist destinations such as Taj Mahal in Agra, the backwaters of Kerala, or the beaches of Goa. Similarly, Indian tourists will be able to explore the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia, including the historical sites of Riyadh, the ancient city of Al-Ula, and the religious significance of Mecca and Medina for Muslim travelers.

Impact on Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages

One of the key areas where this new visa exemption is expected to have a significant impact is religious tourism. Saudi Arabia is home to the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, which draw millions of Muslims each year for the Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah. With a large Muslim population in India, the visa exemption will make it easier for Indian Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage purposes, offering a smoother, more affordable process for completing these religious journeys.

In addition to pilgrimage tourism, Indian citizens will also benefit from greater access to Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure under its Vision 2030 program, the country is positioning itself as a destination for international tourists. The visa exemption will encourage Indian travelers to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and leisure attractions, such as NEOM, the upcoming futuristic city, and the historic sites in the Al-Ula region, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Business and Cultural Exchanges

The short-stay visa exemption is also expected to boost business travel and cultural exchanges between Saudi Arabia and India. Both countries have strong economic ties, with significant trade in oil, technology, and infrastructure. The visa exemption will make it easier for business professionals to travel between the two countries, facilitating meetings, conferences, and partnerships that benefit both economies.

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in cultural diplomacy, and this new visa agreement aligns with its efforts to attract tourists and showcase its rich cultural heritage. Indian tourists will be able to visit Saudi Arabia’s new tourist destinations, including the Red Sea Project and Al-Ula’s historical sites, which are part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and attract international visitors. For Indian travelers, this new agreement will also provide an opportunity to engage more with Saudi Arabian culture, history, and contemporary developments.

Tourism Industry Growth and Collaboration

The Saudi and Indian governments have long recognized the potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth. This new visa exemption is a significant step forward in realizing that potential, with both countries collaborating to improve travel experiences and open up new tourism pathways. With the growing demand for international travel, this agreement will make it easier for citizens to experience the sights, sounds, and cultures of each other’s countries.

Both Saudi Arabia and India are major players in the global tourism market. With millions of tourists traveling annually, the mutual visa exemption will not only boost tourism in each country but will also strengthen bilateral ties. The enhanced tourism flow will provide economic benefits, as tourists spend on local businesses, accommodations, food, and transportation services, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector in both nations.

How Tourists Can Benefit from the New Agreement

For tourists planning trips between Saudi Arabia and India, this agreement offers a streamlined travel experience. Visitors from both countries can plan their travels without the lengthy visa application process. Travelers can enjoy more flexibility in choosing when to visit and which attractions to explore, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer exploration of the destination’s key sites.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Saudi-India Tourism Relations

With the short-stay visa exemption agreement now in effect, Saudi Arabia and India are set to experience a boost in tourism, with greater ease of travel for millions of citizens. This initiative is expected to enhance cultural ties, promote religious tourism, and open up new opportunities for both leisure and business travelers. As travel between Saudi Arabia and India becomes more accessible, the two countries will continue to strengthen their relationship, fostering mutual understanding and creating new experiences for tourists eager to explore both the ancient and modern wonders of each nation.