Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. If you are planning to travel to another destination and have a layover in Saudi Arabia, you may be eligible for a free stopover / transit visa.
This is a great opportunity to explore the country and experience its unique culture and hospitality. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Saudi Stopover Visa. We will cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and other important information you need to know before embarking on your journey.
With our help, you can make the most of your layover in Saudi Arabia and discover the many wonders this country has to offer.
What Is a Stopover / Transit Visa?
A transit/stopover visa permits travelers passing through Saudi Arabia to enter for a variety of purposes, such as performing Umrah or visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.
Yes, if you are booking a flight on a Saudi Arabian airline and have a layover in the country, you now have the opportunity to obtain a stopover visa at no cost.
In an official announcement on 30 January 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Saudi Arabia confirmed the implementation of this service, allowing passengers to apply for the stopover visa through the electronic platforms of Saudia Airlines or Flynas.
The applications will be automatically transferred to MOFA’s unified national visa platform for immediate processing and issuance of the digital visa, which will be sent to the applicant via email.
Is Saudi Stopover Visa Free?
The Saudi Stopover Visa is issued free of charge. It may be subject to administrative and medical insurance fees.
Visa fees, electronic service fees, medical fees, and insurance fees for an individual are calculated and prepared according to the visa regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Saudi Stopover Visa Validity
The Saudi Stopover Visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours or four days in Saudi Arabia. The stopover visa is not extendable.
The number of stopover times allowed for a single visa is one trip per booking.
When to apply for Saudi Stopover Visa?
The visa remains valid for three months, enabling applicants to apply up to 90 days prior to their travel date.
Who Is Eligible For Saudi Stopover Visa
Any traveller flying with a Saudi Arabian airline (either Saudia or Flynas) and having a layover in Saudi Arabia are eligible for this type of visa.
The traveller should also have:
- A recognized passport that does not contain any restriction or condition and is valid for a period of not less than six months (considering the bilateral agreements between the Kingdom and other countries regarding the validity of the passport).
- A confirmed travel ticket to the intended destination,
- An entry visa or a residence permit to destination country if you are not a citizen of the country. Citizens or are exempted from obtaining a visa to the said country.
How To Apply For Saudi Stopover Visa
You can apply for the Saudi stopover visa either through Saudia Airlines or Flynas, depending on your preference and flight arrangements. Below are the steps on how to apply:
How To Apply Stopover Visa Through Saudia
Step 1: Visit Saudia.com and select your flight
Provide your travel details, including the departure and arrival airports and travel dates. A list of available flights will be displayed based on your preferences. Select your desired flight and click “Confirm”.
Step 2: Select your transit option
Once you confirm your flight, you will receive the details of your route and the option to “Visit Saudi Arabia.” Within this feature, you can choose between “Visit Saudi” or “Perform Umrah”.
Saudia offers a complimentary night stay in conjunction with your ticket. Specify your desired stopover location (Saudi Arabia has six international airports), and indicate the number of days you wish to stay, with a maximum of four days.
After adding the transit details, you will receive an updated list of flights considering the layover. Choose your preferred option.
Step 3: Enter your details
Enter your personal information, such as full name, passport details, and contact number. Once completed, click “Select seats.”
Step 4: Apply for Stopover Visa
On the following page, select the option to apply for a Stopover e-visa by clicking “Get e-visa.”
Indicate whether you intend to transit in Saudi Arabia on your way to your destination or on the return flight. Check the box confirming your agreement to the terms and conditions of the service, and click “Proceed to application.”
Provide the following details:
- Marital Status
- Profession
- Religion
- Passport number, issue and expiry date
- National ID number
- Country and city of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Address
Medical information, including any serious medical conditions or if you are a Person of Determination.
Step 5: Upload your photo
Upload a passport-sized photograph that meets the specified requirements (Dimensions: 200 x 200 px, File size: 20 kb).
Step 6: Confirm your booking and pay
After submitting your e-visa application, proceed with your flight booking by selecting seats and additional services, such as extra luggage or fast-track check-in.
Proceed to payment. Upon successful payment, you will receive the visa and insurance documents via email.
As per the websites of Saudi-based airlines, the visa is issued almost instantly upon booking and payment. Your Stopover Visa will be sent to you via email.
How To Get Free Accommodation With Saudia
Once payment is confirmed, apply for a one-day free stay by clicking on the Saudia holidays banner on the reservation confirmation page, or from “Manage My Booking Saudia Holiday banner”, or the Saudia Holidays website.
For the free one night package to be booked, you must book at least 48 hours in advance of the flight departure time, as packages for the free one night cannot be made if there are less than 48 hours left.
When you arrive at the hotel, please present your boarding pass to the hotel receptionist to benefit from the free accommodation offer.
How To Apply Stopover Visa Through Flynas
Ticket holders can apply for the Saudi Stopover Visa on Flynas once they have completed their booking.
- After making the payment for your booking and receiving your ticket details, visit flynas.com.
- Click on the “Manage” tab located on the left side of the screen. Enter your PNR (Passenger Name Record) number and your last name. You can find the PNR number on the ticket you received via email.
- Once you enter these details, you will see the information related to your booking, along with options to add certain services.
- Select the option “Apply for stopover visa”.
- Provide your personal information, including your full name, nationality, contact information, and passport details. Fill out the application form completely and click “Submit”.
- According to the Flynas website, your visa will be sent to you via email.
Important Notes
A stopover visa is not accepted if the guest has a valid visa or documents allowing him to enter the Kingdom.
The applicant can cancel the visa if he refuses to travel, and there will be no refund for any of the visa fees after issuance, with the application of all terms and conditions of Saudi Airlines for airline tickets.
Applicant can apply for another visa immediately after canceling the current visa for any reason.
Companions under the age of eighteen are included in the visa applicant’s application, as companions of this age group are not allowed to apply individually.
In the event that the application is rejected for one of the applicants, all persons attached to the same application will be rejected accordingly.
Passengers who have a stopover visa and have a stopover of more than 24 hours are required to collect their baggage at the stopover station, and it is not possible to deliver the baggage if the stopover time is less than 24 hours.
To contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Saudi Arabia regarding any application errors, you can reach them at +966114077777 or email them at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah with Saudi Stopover Visa?
Yes, visitors can also perform Umrah throughout the year, except during the Hajj season. To schedule Umrah or Ziyarah appointments in Makkah or Madina, religious travelers should visit Nusuk.sa.
When should I apply for this type of visa?
The visa has a validity of three months and will be issued free of cost. This means that you can apply for the visa up to 90 days before you travel.
How long does it take to apply for the stopover visa?
After you have booked the tickets, the visa application process only takes 3-5 minutes.
Can I apply for a stopover visa in Saudi if I am traveling on holiday or for business meetings?
Yes, you can apply for the transit/stopover visa if you are planning to visit Saudi en route to your final destination as long as your stop in Saudi does not exceed 96 hours.
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But how can i apply for a stopover visa if I alraedy booked the flight tickets earlier?
It seems you can’t. They have a monopoly on flight bookings to there.