In a landmark move aimed at supporting travel ties between the nations, Saudi Arabia has extended a generous hand to Indian citizens by offering a 96-hour free visa. This strategic gesture, announced by Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Asia Pacific at the Saudi Tourism Authority, underscores the pivotal role India plays in fueling Saudi Arabia’s blossoming tourism sector.
The streamlined visa process encompasses the presence of 10 VFS offices in India, with plans for further expansion in the coming year. Notably, Indian travellers are now empowered to undertake Umrah on business, tourism, and Umrah visas, as confirmed by Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the visiting Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj & Umrah, in New Delhi.
A key component of this initiative is the introduction of a stopover program, offering a 96-hour free visa to travellers flying through Saudi Airlines or Flynas, a private Saudi low-cost airline. Moreover, individuals holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa are eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival, simplifying the overall travel process.
Alhasan Aldabbagh reiterated the significance of the Indian market for Saudi Arabia, citing impressive growth figures. “India is a priority market for Saudi. Last year alone, we welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India, presenting a remarkable 50 per cent growth. Looking ahead, our objective is to attract 7.5 million visitors from India to Saudi Arabia as part of our vision for 2030,” he emphasized.
Reports indicate that the newly introduced visa, valid for three months and issued free of cost, allows applicants to apply up to 90 days before their intended travel dates. This visa permits a stay of 96 hours or four days in Saudi Arabia, facilitating activities such as Umrah, visits to the Prophet’s mosque, or participation in tourism events.
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To streamline the application process, Aldabbagh mentioned that the applications would be automatically transferred to the unified national visa platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), ensuring swift processing and issuance of the digital visa, which would be sent to the beneficiary via email.
In alignment with its broader vision, Saudi Arabia aims to attract investments worth 220 billion Saudi Riyals in the tourism sector by 2023 and a more substantial 500 billion Saudi Riyals by 2030, according to previous statements by the Minister of Tourism. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in fostering closer ties and promoting tourism between Saudi Arabia and India.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader economic diversification strategy of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce dependence on oil revenue and develop other sectors such as tourism. By opening its doors to Indian travellers, Saudi Arabia not only enhances its tourism sector but also strengthens bilateral relations with India, a key strategic partner in the region.
The introduction of the 96-hour stopover visa is expected to boost tourism traffic between the two countries significantly. Indian travellers, drawn by the allure of historical sites, cultural experiences, and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, now have greater flexibility and ease of access. This move also paves the way for increased people-to-people exchanges, fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s offering of a 96-hour stopover visa to Indian travellers marks a significant step towards deepening ties and promoting tourism between the two countries. This initiative not only enhances travel opportunities but also strengthens bilateral relations and contributes to the broader economic diversification goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As the world navigates through a rapidly evolving landscape, initiatives like these serve as beacons of cooperation and connectivity, paving the way for a brighter future for both nations.
Disclaimer: The above information is a result of research and Axpert Media is not responsible for errors in the same.
