Saudi Arabia is now offering a convenient and cost-effective way for international travelers, including GCC residents, to perform Umrah during layovers in the Kingdom. By booking flights with either Saudia Airlines or Flynas, eligible passengers can obtain a free stopover visa that grants access to Makkah and Madinah for up to 96 hours. Here’s a complete, detailed breakdown of how the system works, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
What Is the Saudi Stopover Visa?
Saudi Arabia’s transit visa, also known as the stopover visa, allows international travelers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours (4 days). This visa was introduced to encourage short-term visits for religious purposes such as Umrah and Ziyarah, as well as tourist. The visa is free of charge, with only minimal fees for processing and mandatory medical insurance.Key Details:
- Valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
- Stay duration: Maximum 96 hours, single-entry only.
- Only available through Saudia Airlines and Flynas bookings.
- Free of charge, with minimal processing and insurance fees.
- Only applies to transit passengers with confirmed onward travel.
- Must book Umrah or Ziyarah appointments via the Nusuk.sa platform.
Who Can Apply?
The stopover visa is broadly available, but there are some specific conditions to qualify:Eligibility:
- Open to any international traveler transiting through Saudi Arabia.
- Must be flying with Saudia or Flynas; not valid with other airlines.
- GCC residents are eligible, even if they are not citizens.
- Travelers on other airlines need to apply for a standard transit visa instead.
Benefits of the Stopover Visa
This visa provides several advantages for those interested in religious travel or brief tourism visits:
- Free visa issuance (only minor fees for processing and insurance apply).
- Enables Umrah and Ziyarah without needing a separate religious visa.
- Automatically issued during the flight booking process.
- Allows up to 96 hours stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
Required Documents and Conditions
To successfully apply and be granted the visa, travelers must meet the following documentation and condition criteria:Documents Needed:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with no restrictions.
- Confirmed onward flight ticket and a visa/residence permit (if applicable) for the final destination.
- A passport-size photo (200×200 pixels, max 20KB) that meets Saudi visa photo requirements.
Visa Validity and duration
- Validity: 90 days from the date of issuance
- Maximum stay: 96 hours (4 days)
- Single-entry only
- Not extendable
Subject to change based on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign AffairsBooking with Saudia AirlinesBooking with Flynas
- Visa fee: Free
- Application fee: SAR 39.50 (Dh 38.68)
- Medical insurance: From SAR 13 (Dh12.73)
- Validity: Three months
- Stay: Up to 96 hours
- Application method: Issued automatically when booking your flight.
How to apply for the free transit visa
1. Visit the airline website (Saudia.com or Flynas.com).2. Search for flights with a stopover in Saudi Arabia (either on your outbound or return journey).3. Choose your flight and enter your personal and travel details.4. Select the option to apply for a stopover visa during booking.5. Fill in:
- Passport number
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Contact details and address
- Upload passport-size photo
- Declare any required medical info
6. Complete the booking and payment process.7. After confirmation, your transit visa and insurance documents will be emailed to you, usually within minutes.Note: Travelers must register and book their Umrah or Ziyarah appointments via the Nusuk.sa platform ahead of time as part of the stopover visa process.
