Saudi Arabia Now Offers 96-Hour Free Visa For Select Tourists
Following a historical high of 1.5 million Indian tourists in 2023, Saudi Arabia sets an ambitious target to attract 7.5 million visitors from India by 2030. This announcement was made by Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Asia Pacific region at the Saudi Tourism Authority, during the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2024 Travel Show. In a strategic move to boost this number, the kingdom has unveiled a stopover programme granting a 96-hour visa free of charge to passengers travelling via Saudi Airlines or Flyanas, enhancing accessibility for Indian travellers.
The introduction of the stopover programme, featuring a 96-hour free visa, is part of Saudi Arabia's broader initiative to position itself as a leading global tourist destination by 2030. Targeting passengers of Saudi Airlines or Flyanas, this visa scheme aims to offer a taste of the kingdom's rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. This effort underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to increasing its appeal to international tourists, particularly those from India, by simplifying entry procedures and making travel more convenient.
Strengthening Indo-Saudi Relations
The growth in travel demand from India to Saudi Arabia, driven by both spiritual and leisure pursuits, has led to the establishment of 10 VFS offices across India, with further expansion planned within the year. Additionally, Indian travellers holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa can benefit from an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival scheme, further streamlining the travel process. This development not only reflects the strengthening relationship between India and Saudi Arabia but also contributes to the socio-cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
Alhasan Aldabbagh expressed optimism about the future, highlighting plans for numerous activations in India aimed at reinforcing this burgeoning partnership. The SATTE 2024 Travel Show provided an ideal platform for Saudi Arabia to announce its ambitious tourism targets, demonstrating the kingdom's commitment to enhancing its tourism sector and the pivotal role India plays in achieving these objectives.
As Saudi Arabia advances towards welcoming 7.5 million Indian tourists by 2030, the initiatives and programmes introduced reflect the kingdom's dedication to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for Indian visitors.
With the expansion of VFS offices and the innovative 96-hour free visa stopover programme, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a premier destination for Indian travellers seeking spiritual and recreational experiences.
Sign in with Google