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Indian Passport Holders with UK, US, and Schengen Visas Can Now Apply for Saudi E-Visa Online: Saudi Tourism Authority Announces New Initiatives
In an exclusive interview, the President of the Saudi Tourism Authority (Asia Pacific) revealed exciting news for Indian travelers. Indian passport holders who possess a UK, US, or Schengen visa that has been utilized at least once can now easily apply for a Saudi e-visa online. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to streamline travel procedures and attract more tourists from India.
The announcement also brings forth the launch of 9 VFS Tasheel Visa offices across India, aiming to provide seamless administrative services to potential travelers interested in exploring the wonders of Saudi Arabia. These initiatives are expected to simplify the visa application process and offer secure and efficient services to Indian visitors.
Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is undergoing a transformation, as it seeks to reposition itself from being solely a pilgrim destination to a diverse and vibrant tourist hub. With this in mind, the country is implementing the 96-hour stopover visa, allowing millions of travelers a brief yet enriching experience of Saudi Arabia during layovers.
Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Saudi Tourism Authority (Asia Pacific), expressed optimism about the future of Saudi tourism. He revealed that Saudi Arabia anticipates welcoming more than 10 lakh visitors from India by the year 2025, with a particular focus on catering to the demand for Umrah visits. The country's goal is to rebrand its image, attracting diverse visitors who seek leisure, cultural, heritage, and adventure experiences.
India holds a significant place in Saudi Arabia's tourism expansion plans. Aldabbagh highlighted that India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for Saudi tourism. In 2022 alone, the country welcomed one million Indian visitors, who contributed significantly to the tourism sector. These visitors engaged in various purposes, including visiting friends and family, business trips, and journeys related to Hajj and Umrah.
Aldabbagh further revealed the ambitious targets set for the years ahead. For 2023, Saudi Arabia aims to double its visitation numbers from India, focusing on driving a variety of travel purposes such as leisure, culture, heritage, and adventure experiences. Looking even further, by the year 2030, Saudi Arabia envisions welcoming over 12 million Indian visitors, solidifying the country's position as an attractive and diverse travel destination.
In a bid to entice Indian tourists, Saudi Arabia has collaborated with the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) to develop seasonal campaigns. These campaigns will unveil bespoke promotional packages tailored to showcase the myriad attractions and experiences that Saudi Arabia offers to Indian travelers.
The Saudi Tourism Authority's initiatives mark a strategic and welcoming move, positioning Saudi Arabia as an alluring destination for Indian travelers seeking diverse experiences and enriching journeys.
Sources: Times of India (TOI), The Economic Times
