India–Saudi Visa Waiver to Boost Travel & Bilateral Exchanges

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Anjali Sharma

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India and Saudi Arabia have taken steps to strengthen their diplomatic ties with a new visa facilitation agreement. This agreement is expected to improve official travel and speed up cooperation between the two countries.

Landmark Agreement Signed to Ease Official Mobility

India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement on 17 December 2025 to facilitate official travel and strengthen exchanges between the two strategic partners. The deal exempts diplomatic and official passport holders from the requirement to obtain short-term visas.

The deal was signed in Riyadh by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials stated that the agreement would help eliminate procedural barriers and allow government delegations to move more quickly.

Boost to Diplomatic and Institutional Engagement

The visa exemption is expected to encourage more frequent interactions among policymakers, diplomats, and senior officials, thereby enhancing diplomatic engagement. Officials mentioned that easier travel would improve coordination on bilateral initiatives and strategic discussions.

Strengthening India–Saudi Strategic Partnership

This agreement follows the expansion of cooperation through the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, which focuses on areas such as energy, trade, investment, defence, and cultural exchange. Bilateral relations have gained momentum through high-level visits and increased economic engagement in recent years.

Scope for Future Visa Facilitation

Currently, the waiver applies only to diplomatic and official passport holders, but experts believe it could lead to broader visa facilitation measures in the future. This move shows growing trust and a shared commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation.

The visa waiver is a significant step toward strengthening India–Saudi relations and deepening institutional and diplomatic ties.