How To Get Saudi Arab Free Stopover Visa
The Saudi stopover visa, available exclusively through Saudia Airlines and Flynas, enables passengers to stay in the kingdom for up to 96 hours (four days) at no visa cost, making it easier than ever to perform Umrah or visit sacred sites during transit.
This program reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing religious tourism and facilitating pilgrimages as part of its Vision 2030 goals. By removing financial and bureaucratic barriers, the kingdom is positioning itself as a more accessible destination for Muslim travelers worldwide.
The Saudi transit visa (stopover visa) is a short-term permit designed for travelers with layovers in Saudi Arabia. Unlike traditional transit visas, which often require complex applications and fees, this streamlined process is automatically issued when booking eligible flights with Saudia or Flynas. Key features include:
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Free visa (only processing and insurance fees apply).
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96-hour stay (four days), allowing ample time for Umrah or Ziyarah.
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Automatic issuance upon flight booking—no embassy visits required.
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90-day validity from the date of issue.
This visa is particularly beneficial for GCC expatriates and residents who may not have the flexibility to plan a separate Umrah trip but can now incorporate it into their travel itinerary seamlessly.
Who Is Eligible for the Stopover Visa?
The Saudi stopover visa is available to a wide range of travelers, including
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GCC residents (not just citizens)—expats living in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or the UAE can apply.
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Passengers flying with Saudia or Flynas—the visa is exclusive to these airlines.
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Travelers with a confirmed onward ticket—you must have a booked flight leaving Saudi Arabia within 96 hours.
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Those meeting passport requirements—your passport must be valid for at least six months.
If you are flying with another airline, you may still apply for a standard Saudi transit visa, but it will not include the free stopover benefit.
Key Benefits of the Stopover Visa
1. Cost-Effective Umrah Opportunity
Performing Umrah typically requires a separate visa, which involves fees and processing time. The stopover visa eliminates these expenses, making it an economical option for travelers already passing through Saudi Arabia. The only costs are
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SAR 39.50 (~$10.50) for processing.
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SAR 13 (~$3.50) for mandatory medical insurance.
2. Extended Layover for Spiritual Visits
With up to four days in the kingdom, travelers can:
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Perform Umrah in Makkah.
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Visit the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah.
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Explore historical Islamic sites such as Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque.
3. Hassle-Free Visa Processing
Unlike traditional visa applications, which require embassy submissions and waiting periods, the stopover visa is issued automatically when booking a qualifying flight. Approval is nearly instant, with the visa and insurance documents emailed shortly after booking.
4. Flexibility with Travel Plans
The visa remains valid for 90 days, meaning you can schedule your stopover at the beginning or end of your trip, depending on flight availability.
Important Conditions and Restrictions
While the stopover visa offers great convenience, travelers must adhere to certain rules:
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Single entry only—you cannot exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia on the same visa.
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Non-extendable—the maximum stay is strictly 96 hours.
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Umrah registration required—before arrival, pilgrims must book an appointment via Nusuk.sa, the official platform for religious visits.
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Compliance with Saudi laws—visitors must respect local customs, including dress codes and prayer times.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the stopover visa, you will need
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A passport valid for at least six months.
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A confirmed onward ticket (proof of your next destination).
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A passport-sized photo (200×200 pixels, max 20KB).
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Residence permit (if applicable)—GCC expats must provide their Emirates ID or Iqama.
How to Apply for the Stopover Visa
The application process is fully integrated into flight bookings with Saudia or Flynas. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Book an Eligible Flight
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Visit Saudia.com or Flynas.com.
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Search for flights with a stopover in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah or Madinah airports are the most common).
Step 2: Select the Stopover Visa Option
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During checkout, choose the “Apply for Stopover Visa” option.
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Enter your:
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Passport details
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GCC residency information (if applicable)
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Contact details
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Step 3: Upload Required Documents
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Submit a digital passport photo.
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Verify your onward flight details.
Step 4: Complete Payment
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Pay the SAR 39.50 processing fee and SAR 13 insurance fee.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa via Email
The approved visa and insurance documents are typically sent within minutes
