Saudi Government Visit Visa (تأشيرة زيارة حكومية)

Are you looking for a government visit visa Saudi Arabia from India? If you are an Indian government official or employee planning an official visit, meeting, or delegation trip, you may be eligible for a government visit visa or an official/diplomatic category under the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians framework.

The requirements depend on whether you hold a Government-issued Diplomatic/Official passport or an Ordinary (Blue) passport.

Category 1: For Diplomatic (Maroon) or Official (White) Passport Holders

Under the 2025 Reciprocal Visa-Exemption Agreement, Indian officials with these passports are exempt from pre-visa requirements for stays up to 90 days. You only need:

• Valid Passport: Diplomatic or Official passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Note Verbale: An official letter from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, detailing the mission.
• Official ID: Government department identification card.

Category 2: For Ordinary (Blue) Passport Holders (Government Employees)

If you are a government official or contractor traveling on a regular passport, you must apply for a Government Visit Visa with the following:

• Diplomatic Note / Note Verbale: An official introduction letter issued by the Government of India (MEA) or your respective Ministry.
• Electronic Invitation Letter: Issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This must be requested by the host Saudi government entity before you apply.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Filled out and signed via the official Saudi MOFA e-portal or through the authorized agency (VFS Tasheer).
• Valid Passport: Original passport with at least 6 months validity from the arrival date and at least two blank pages.
• Recent Photographs: Two (2) color passport-size photos ($4 \times 6$ cm) with a white background.
• Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking or a letter from the Saudi host entity confirming provided lodging.
• Confirmed Return Air Tickets: A printout of your flight itinerary.
• Mandatory Medical Insurance: Must be purchased through the Saudi visa portal during the application process (this is a 2026 requirement for all non-exempt visitors).
• Financial Means (Conditional): Usually, a bank statement is waived for government visas if the Note Verbale states that the government is covering all expenses. If not mentioned, provide the last 3 months' bank statements.

Important Process Note for 2026

• Biometrics: If you are applying on an Ordinary passport, you must visit a VFS Tasheer center for biometric enrollment (fingerprints and facial photo).
• Fees: Government visit visas are often issued Gratis (no visa fee), but service fees for VFS Tasheer and the mandatory medical insurance fee still apply.

Again, I would advise you to check with the Saudi Arabian Visa Agency in India for specific requirements and instructions.

Eligibility for Government Visit Visa Saudi Arabia for Indian Officials

Indian nationals applying under the Saudi Arabia visa for Indians category can apply for a government visit visa if they are:

• Government officials
• Diplomats
• Representatives of Indian government departments
• Members of official delegations
• An official invitation from a Saudi government body is mandatory.

New for 2026: Visa-Free Entry for Official Passports

As of January 2026, travel has become even easier for high-level delegations. Under a new bilateral agreement:

• Diplomatic, Special, and Official Passport holders are now exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays.
• No Pre-visa Application: If you hold an official (white) or diplomatic (maroon) passport, you can travel to Saudi Arabia without a prior visa sticker.
• Entry Requirements: You must still carry a "Note Verbale" from the MEA and ensure your visit is for official government business.

Learn More: Commercial Visit Visa | Family Visit Visa | Employment Visa