Saudi Stopover Visa Made Easy: Applying, validity, fees
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Stopover in Saudi Arabia, and you might just be in town for a big event! If you are travelling between destinations, a stopover in Saudi is ideal for breaking up a long-haul flight. Plus it could be the perfect opportunity to discover this amazing place. The best part? Getting a stopover or transit visa is easy and free if you’re flying with SAUDIA Airlines or Flynas. This visa welcomes all travelers – leisure, business, and religious – to stay for up to 4 days, and even enjoy a complimentary hotel night and visitor insurance during their stay!
We have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Saudi transit visa, the eligibility criteria, and how you can make the most of it!
What you need to know about the stopover visa
- The Saudi transit/stopover visa allows you to leave the airport and spend up to 4 days in Saudi Arabia before flying to your next destination.
- Your layover needs to be at least 12 hours and no more than 4 days (96 hours).
- Visa is available online only for SAUDIA Airlines & Flynas passengers.
- You can’t extend this visa.
- Final ticket price includes service charges, free stopover visa, complimentary one-night hotel stay with visitor medical insurance.
Planning a trip with Saudia or Flynas? Here’s how to get a stopover visa
- Use SAUDIA or Flynas to book a multi-destination flight. Select your starting and ending points.
- Choose flights with the most suitable connection time for you, up to a maximum of 96 hours ~ 4 days.
- If you are not one of the nationalities that are eligible for visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to Saudi Arabia; then apply for a stopover visa from the “additional services” page on the airline’s website.
- Make sure you have a recent passport-sized photo saved on your phone or computer (200×200 pixels, under 20kb).
- Book your flights and pay for both the ticket and visa in one easy step on the airline’s website.
- Once everything’s done, you’ll receive an email with your stopover visa and insurance information.
🤔 Curious what does your visa insurance cover? Learn more about it in Get Your Saudi Visa Sorted: Visitor Insurance Explained
How much is the Saudi transit visa?
The transit/ stopover visa is free but is subject to medical insurance fees.
Who can get a Saudi stopover visa?
To get your visa, you’ll need to meet two main requirements:
Passport Requirements
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival.
- You can’t get a stopover visa online if you already have a different visa or permit to enter Saudi Arabia.
Ticket Requirements
- No separate tickets! Your flights must be on the same airline (either Saudia Airlines or Flynas).
- You need a confirmed ticket to your next destination after leaving Saudi Arabia.
- If your final destination requires a visa, you need to have that visa or a residence permit (if you’re not a citizen). If your final destination does not require a visa for your nationality, you’re good to go!
- This visa is not for people who are just stopping over in Saudi Arabia without continuing to another destination.
What can you do with your Stopover Visa?
Your stopover visa opens up a world of possibilities! Use your long stopover to perform Umrah, explore Makkah and Madinah religious sites, discover hidden gems and historical treasures, and attend one of the many many festivals & events Saudi hosts. Make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories!
If you’re planning to squeeze in Umrah or Ziyarah during your Saudi stopover, don’t forget to schedule your appointments beforehand on Nusuk.sa
Should you go for a transit visa or a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Saudi’s tourist e-visa and stopover visa:
| Stopover Visa | Tourist E-Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa eligibility | Any nationality | 63 nationalities |
| Validity | 3 months | 1 year |
| Stay duration per visit | Up to 4 days (96 hours) | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Application process | Online | Online |
| Processing time | Almost instant | Up to 24 hours |
| Permitted activities | Tourism, attending conferences and exhibitions, visiting family and friends, or religious travel ie. Umrah and Madinah | Tourism, attending conferences and exhibitions, visiting family and friends, or religious travel ie. Umrah and Madinah |
| Cost | Free (with eligible airline ticket) | Paid visa fee |
| Included perks | Complimentary one-night stay + visitor medical insurance | Visitor medical insurance only |
| Best for | Short stays and transiting through Saudi Arabia | Ideal for extended vacations |
In summary, while the Stopover Visa is useful for short stays and transiting through Saudi Arabia, the tourist eVisa offers more flexibility, a longer stay, for tourists planning a longer visit to the Kingdom.
Relax and enjoy your long layover in Saudi Arabia
So, there you have it! Whether you have 12 hours, 2 days, or 4, there is nothing to worry about when you have a long layover in Saudi! With so much to see and do you can turn your stopover in Saudi into a mini-holiday. With a convenient stopover visa and included insurance, you can confidently tick off some travel bucket list items knowing you’re covered. So relax, go out sightseeing, and make the most of your time between connecting flights.
