Saudi Arabia starts issuing free stopover visa to Indians

Saudi Arabia starts issuing free stopover visa to Indians

Saudi Arabia has started offering a 96-hour free visa to Indian citizens to help reach its newly set target of 150 million tourists by 2030. The stopover programme provides a four-day free visa to individuals traveling through Saudia or Flynas airlines. Additionally, travellers holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa are eligible for an e-visa […]Saudi Arabia has started offering a 96-hour free visa to Indian citizens to help reach its newly set target of 150 million tourists by 2030.

The stopover programme provides a four-day free visa to individuals traveling through Saudia or Flynas airlines.

Additionally, travellers holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa are eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival, Times of India newspaper reported, citing Alhasan Aldabbagh, president – Asia Pacific, Saudi Tourism Authority.

“India is a priority market for Saudi. Last year alone, we welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India, presenting a 50 percent growth. We aim to attract 7.5 million visitors from India to Saudi Arabia as part of our vision for 2030,” he added.

Saudi Arabia has set up 10 visa offices in India, with plans for further expansion in the upcoming year. 

The stopover visa is valid for three months and is is free of