The Indian Embassy in Doha today issued an advisory for Indian nationals who wish to travel from Qatar via the Abu Samra (Qatar) or Salwa (Saudi Arabia) land border to India. In a social media post, the Embassy shared guidelines to ensure smooth transit for travellers.

The Embassy said it takes around 48 hours to obtain the necessary approvals from the time it receives complete details submitted in the link provided on social media channels. Indian nationals have been advised to carry essential travel documents before heading to the border.

These include a valid passport and an approved transit visa issued by Saudi authorities, either through the normal procedure or a temporary transit visa facilitated through the Embassy. The Embassy also asked travellers to carry a confirmed flight ticket from Riyadh or Dammam to their final destination in India, as entry may be denied by Saudi immigration authorities without a confirmed ticket under the 96-hour temporary transit visa provision. The Embassy further said that passengers travelling by bus or in groups will have to complete immigration procedures at the Ministry of Interior office at the Abu Samra border.

It has also recommended travellers to use reliable travel agencies for transportation and ensure that vehicles have valid cross-country permits. Indian nationals have been further advised to reach the border between 6 AM and 8 PM to allow sufficient time for any last-minute coordination with Saudi.