The Saudi transit visa 96 hours option lets you turn a layover into a short trip. Instead of waiting in an airport, you can enter the Kingdom for up to four days, visit Riyadh or Jeddah, and even perform Umrah before flying on. The visa is officially called the stopover visa, and it is free of charge for eligible passengers on Saudia and flynas, though small fees still apply. This guide explains who can use it, what it costs, how to apply, and when you do not need a visa at all.
What Is the Saudi Transit Visa for 96 Hours?
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the service in early 2023 so passengers connecting through the Kingdom could leave the airport. The Saudi stopover visa allows entry for up to 96 hours, which is four full days. You can use it for tourism, visiting the Prophet's Mosque, attending events and performing Umrah. You cannot use it for Hajj or for work.
Most travelers get it during flight booking. The airline passes your details to the national visa platform, and the digital visa arrives by email soon after payment. The official Visit Saudi stopover page describes the process in detail.
Is the Stopover Visa Really Free?
The visa itself costs nothing, but you should expect two small charges at booking:
- Application fee: about SAR 39.50 (US$10.50), as listed on the official Visit Saudi page. Checked 24 September 2026.
- Medical insurance: mandatory and added automatically. The amount depends on your nationality and insurer.
Third-party sites quote different totals, so treat the figure shown at checkout on the airline's website as final. If you do not fly with a participating airline, you can apply for a standard paid transit visa instead. Our page on the which Saudi visa do I need guide helps you compare the options.
Who Can Apply and Which Airlines Take Part
The Saudi transit visa 96 hours program is tied to two airlines: Saudia and flynas. You book a ticket that connects through Saudi Arabia, choose the stopover option on the airline's site, and the visa is generated automatically. A few points to know:
- Your layover in Saudi Arabia cannot exceed 96 hours.
- You need a confirmed onward ticket out of the Kingdom.
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Applicants must be adults, and children are added to a parent's booking.
- You can apply up to 90 days before travel.
Eligibility rules vary. Some sources say every international transit passenger qualifies, while flynas publishes a shorter list of routes and asks for proof of a valid visa for certain countries. Check that your passport is accepted. Compare it with the list of Saudi eVisa eligible countries if you are unsure.
What You Can Do in 96 Hours
Four days is enough for a real first look at the Kingdom. In Riyadh you can walk through the historic district of Diriyah, ride the metro to the financial district and try local Najdi food. In Jeddah, Al-Balad's coral-stone streets and the Red Sea corniche fit neatly into a day. Travelers with a longer stop often add AlUla or perform Umrah. Plan around your flight times, because domestic transfers and prayer-time closures can shorten your day.
Shorter stops of 12 to 24 hours work well for a city tour and a hotel night. Keep a buffer of several hours before your onward flight, since immigration queues at peak times can be slow.
How to Apply for the Stopover Visa
- Go to the Saudia or flynas website and search for a flight that connects through Saudi Arabia with a layover under 96 hours.
- Select the stopover visa option during booking.
- Enter your passport details and upload a photo that meets the size rules.
- Pay the flight and the small visa charges.
- Download the visa from your email and carry a copy with your passport.
The process takes only a few minutes, and approval is usually near instant. Keep your hotel address for the first night, since the form asks for a Saudi location.
Airside Transit, Stopover Visa or Standard Transit Visa
Not every layover needs a visa. Use this table to decide:
| Situation | What you usually need |
|---|
| Staying airside with a confirmed onward ticket | No visa in most cases |
| Leaving the airport on Saudia or flynas, up to 96 hours | Free stopover visa (small fees apply) |
| Leaving the airport on another airline | Standard paid transit visa or another eligible visa |
| Staying longer than 96 hours | Tourist eVisa or another visit visa |
If you qualify for a longer stay, compare the Saudi visa on arrival rules before you book. Passport holders with a valid US, UK or Schengen visa may also have extra options, which we explain in our guide for US, UK and Schengen visa holders.
Performing Umrah on a Stopover
The stopover visa allows Umrah, but planning matters. Book your Umrah or Ziyarah slot through the Nusuk platform before you travel, allow time to reach Makkah or Madinah from your arrival airport, and leave enough margin for your return flight. Only Muslims may enter Makkah. For a full comparison of pilgrimage permits, read our guide to the Umrah visa vs Hajj visa.
Common Mistakes With the 96-Hour Visa
- Booking two separate tickets on different airlines, which can break eligibility
- Choosing a layover longer than 96 hours
- Traveling with less than six months of passport validity
- Assuming a codeshare flight qualifies when the airline operating it is not Saudia or flynas
- Forgetting the visa or onward ticket at check-in
Airlines can refuse boarding if your paperwork does not match the visa, so check everything before you fly. Our overview of Saudi eVisa entry airports and borders lists the airports that handle international arrivals.
Final Thoughts on the Saudi Transit Visa 96 Hours Option
For eligible passengers, the free stopover visa is one of the easiest ways to see the Kingdom. Choose a Saudia or flynas itinerary, keep your layover under 96 hours, and confirm your eligibility on the airline's page before paying. If the stopover option is not open to you, a standard transit visa or a full tourist visa can still get you out of the terminal.
Need Help Choosing a Saudi Visa?
Not sure whether the stopover visa suits your route? Start your Saudi visa application now and check the right option before you pay.
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Pooja is a travel and visa content writer specializing in visa requirements, travel procedures, and immigration information for international destinations. She researches visa rules, documentation, application processes, entry requirements, and travel updates to create clear, practical guides that help travelers understand the visa process and plan their journeys with confidence.