By Shyamu Maurya
Saudi Arabia now offers a free stopover visa for international travellers flying with Saudi Airlines or Flynas, including UAE residents. This visa allows a 96-hour stay for Umrah or tourism, requiring a small processing fee and medical insurance.
New Visa System: Saudi Arabia has introduced a free stopover visa for international travellers, including residents of the UAE and other Gulf countries, making it easier to perform Umrah during flight layovers. The visa is available only for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas.
The stopover visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours (four days) and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. It enables eligible passengers to visit Makkah and Madinah for religious purposes or tourism, without needing a separate Umrah visa.
According to a report by Gulf News, the visa is issued free of charge, but travellers must pay a small processing fee of SAR 39.50 (approximately AED 38.68) and purchase mandatory medical insurance starting from SAR 13 (around AED 12.73). The visa is automatically generated during the flight booking process through the Saudia or Flynas websites.
Only transit passengers with confirmed onward travel can apply. Passengers must also register and schedule their Umrah or Ziyarah appointments through the official Nusuk.sa platform before traveling.
To be eligible, travellers must:
Book flights through Saudia Airlines or FlynasHave a passport valid for at least six monthsHold a valid visa or residency for their final destinationUpload a passport-sized photo as per Saudi visa guidelines
The visa is single-entry and cannot be extended. It is not available to those flying with other carriers.
To apply, travellers should:
Visit the Saudia or Flynas websiteChoose a flight with a stopover in Saudi ArabiaEnter required travel and personal detailsSelect the stopover visa optionUpload required documentsComplete the paymentReceive the visa and insurance documents by email
This move supports Saudi Arabia鈥檚 goal to promote short-term visits for religious and tourism purposes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs manages the stopover visa policy, and its terms remain subject to change.