Doha: The Embassy of India in Doha has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Qatar who wish to travel to India through the Abu Samra (Qatar) – Salwa (Saudi Arabia) land border. The embassy said it is coordinating the departure of Indian citizens currently in Qatar who plan to take this route to reach India.
According
to the embassy, travellers must submit their details through the online form
shared on its official social media channels. Authorities noted that it may
take around 48 hours to obtain the necessary
approvals after the embassy receives complete information from
applicants.
The
advisory stressed that travellers must ensure they carry all essential documents
before heading to the border. These include a valid passport, an approved Saudi transit visa,
and a confirmed onward flight ticket
from Riyadh or Dammam to their destination in India. Saudi
immigration authorities may deny entry if passengers do not have a confirmed
ticket, as the temporary transit visa is valid for 96 hours.
The embassy also explained the border procedures
for travellers. Those travelling by bus or in groups will complete immigration formalities
at the Ministry of Interior office at
the Abu Samra border, while those travelling by private vehicles such as sedans
or SUVs will be processed through the regular border
checkpoints.
Travellers are advised to use reliable travel agencies
for transportation and ensure that vehicles have valid cross-border permits, insurance, and
drivers holding valid visas.
The embassy further
advised passengers to reach the border between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM to allow
time for coordination with Saudi authorities and to ensure smoother transit
procedures.