🇦🇪
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Dubai vs Riyadh Visa for Indians
Side-by-side comparison of visa requirements, fees, and processing times for Indian passport holders
Quick Verdict
Riyadh is easier to visit for Indian passport holders — you can apply for an eVisa online. Compare the details below to decide which destination suits your travel plans better.
🇦🇪
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Visa Required
Stay:14 days (extendable to 28 days)
Fee:AED 100 (~₹2,250) for visa on arrival
Processing:Immediate on arrival (if eligible) or 3-5 days for pre-applied visa
Ease:Conditional
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
eVisa
Stay:90 days (within 1 year validity)
Fee:$199 (~₹16,500) for tourist e-visa
Processing:24 hours for e-visa
Ease:Moderate
Detailed Comparison
Criteria
🇦🇪 Dubai
🇸🇦 Riyadh
Visa Type
Visa Required
eVisa
Stay Duration
14 days (extendable to 28 days)
90 days (within 1 year validity)
Processing Time
Immediate on arrival (if eligible) or 3-5 days for pre-applied visa
24 hours for e-visa
Visa Fee
AED 100 (~₹2,250) for visa on arrival
$199 (~₹16,500) for tourist e-visa
Documents Required
6 documents
6 documents
Popular With
Tourists and business travelers
Pilgrims and business travelers
Conditional Entry
Hold valid US, UK, EU, or Schengen visa/residence permit
Hold valid US, UK, EU, or Schengen visa/residence permit
Best Time to Apply
At arrival if eligible; otherwise 1-2 weeks before travel
2-3 days before travel (if eligible)
Documents Required
🇦🇪 Dubai
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Passport-size photograph
- Valid US/UK/EU/Schengen visa or qualifying residence permit
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Travel insurance (recommended)
🇸🇦 Riyadh
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Valid US/UK/Schengen visa or qualifying residence permit
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof that qualifying visa has been used (entry stamp)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return flight ticket
Pro Tips
🇦🇪 Dubai
- If you have a US tourist visa, you can get visa on arrival - saves time and hassle
- Keep printouts of your hotel booking and return tickets ready
- The visa on arrival counter can have long queues during peak season - factor in extra time
- If visiting Abu Dhabi or other emirates, the Dubai visa covers all UAE
🇸🇦 Riyadh
- If you have US tourist visa, use it once before applying for Saudi e-visa - saves embassy hassle
- E-visa processing is fast - usually approved within 24 hours
- Saudi Arabia opened for tourism in 2019 - great time to explore
- Keep digital and printed copies of qualifying visa/residence permit
Related Comparisons
Still Deciding?
Use our interactive tool to discover which countries you can visit with your existing visas. Your current visas might unlock both destinations!