Saudi Arabia’s transit/stopover visa is designed for travellers who are passing through the Kingdom but want to leave the airport and spend a short period in Saudi Arabia. The current official Visit Saudi information says the stopover visa is available through Saudia and flynas, with a three-month validity and up to 96 hours of stay.
What It Is
The Saudi transit/stopover visa is a single-entry visa that allows eligible travellers to enter Saudi Arabia during a journey to another destination. It can be used for short tourism, sightseeing, events and Umrah, subject to the applicable rules.
The visa is valid for three months, but the permitted stay in Saudi Arabia is up to 96 hours (4 days).
Who Qualifies?
The current official Visit Saudi stopover information states that anyone can apply for a transit/stopover visa, with applications available through Saudia or flynas. Travellers using these airlines can access the special stopover offer when booking a qualifying journey.
Your nationality can still affect other Saudi visa options, so travellers should check their specific itinerary and passport before booking.
How It Is Issued
The stopover visa is linked to your flight booking. When booking with Saudia or flynas, the visa application can be completed as part of the booking process. Once the flight has been booked and paid for and the application is submitted, the visa is generally sent to the traveller by email almost immediately.
The visa itself is offered free under the airline promotion, although administrative and medical-insurance charges may still apply. It has three-month validity and permits a stay of up to 96 hours.
Umrah on a Stopover
The Saudi stopover visa can be used for Umrah, making it useful for travellers who want to combine a short Saudi visit with pilgrimage.
If you plan to visit Makkah or Madinah for religious purposes, you should also complete the required Nusuk booking/permit process. The official Visit Saudi stopover guidance specifically directs travellers to Nusuk for Umrah or Ziyarah arrangements.
The stopover visa does not allow Hajj. Hajj requires the appropriate Hajj arrangements and authorization.
Airside Transit Without a Visa
You may not need a Saudi visa if you are simply transiting through an airport without entering Saudi Arabia, depending on your itinerary, airport connection and whether you remain within the international transit area.
If you need to pass through immigration, collect and re-check baggage, change airports or leave the airport during the connection, the requirements can be different. Check your airline's transit rules before travelling.
Stopover vs Tourist eVisa
Choose the stopover visa when Saudi Arabia is only a short part of a larger journey and your itinerary fits the 96-hour limit.
Choose the tourist eVisa instead when Saudi Arabia is your main destination, you want a longer stay, or you need the flexibility of a longer-validity multiple-entry visa. The standard tourist eVisa is generally valid for one year with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days, subject to the specific visa issued.
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Naurang is a travel and visa content writer specializing in Dubai and UAE visa requirements, travel procedures, and immigration updates. He researches visa rules, documentation, application processes, and the latest travel policies to create clear, practical guides that help international travelers navigate their Dubai journey with confidence.