Saudi Arabia Stopover Visa: Everything You Need to Know
Updated: June 22, 2026
The Saudi Stopover Visa allows eligible travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia on selected airlines to stay in the country for up to 96 hours. Availability, fees, and processing times may vary based on current regulations.
What Is the Saudi Stopover Visa?
The Saudi Stopover Visa is a special transit visa that allows eligible travelers to enter Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours (4 days) during an international flight connection. The visa is primarily available to passengers flying with Saudia or flynas and is issued electronically during the flight booking process.
Instead of spending hours inside the airport, travelers can leave the airport, explore Saudi Arabia, visit historical attractions, experience Riyadh or Jeddah, and even perform Umrah if they meet the relevant requirements.
Today, travelers can use the stopover period to:
- Visit Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Experience Saudi culture and cuisine
- Visit family or friends
- Perform Umrah (subject to current regulations)
Conditions & Restrictions (Read Before You Book)
| Condition | Detail |
| Minimum layover | Must be at least 12 hours (under 12 hours = stay in transit zone, no visa needed) |
| Maximum layover | 96 hours (4 days) — no extensions |
| Onward travel | Must have a confirmed ticket to a third country beyond Saudi Arabia |
| Valid passport | 6 months minimum from entry date |
| Single entry only | Once you exit Saudi Arabia, your visa expires |
| No extensions | Cannot extend within the country |
| No work allowed | Tourism, Umrah, and transit only |
How Long Can You Stay in Saudi Arabia With a Stopover Visa?
The Saudi Stopover Visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days).
This duration gives travelers enough time to explore major cities and attractions without needing a separate tourist visa.
The visa is intended for short visits only and cannot be used for employment or long-term stays.
Visitors can explore Saudi Arabia during the layover with the convenient Stopover Visa program
Who Is Eligible for the Stopover Visa?
General Eligibility
The Saudi Stopover Visa is available to eligible travelers of many nationalities who meet the requirements and are traveling with Saudia or flynas. Eligibility depends on nationality, itinerary, airline participation, and current Saudi entry requirements. Travelers should verify eligibility during the booking process.
Travelers Who May Not Need a Visa
- Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar) do not require a visa and may enter using their national ID or passport.
- Travelers with short airport connections who remain in the transit area may not need a visa, depending on their itinerary and airline rules.
Other Saudi Entry Options
Some travelers with valid US, UK, or Schengen visas or residence permits may qualify for other Saudi entry options, subject to current requirements.
Basic Requirements for a Saudi Stopover Visa
- Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
- Confirmed ticket with a stopover in Saudi Arabia on Saudia or flynas
- Continuing ticket to the final destination
- Proof of accommodation or sufficient funds if requested
- Digital passport-style photo
- Not applicable in certain cases where the traveler already holds a valid Saudi visa or other entry authorization
Eligibility rules may change based on nationality, departure country, airline, and government regulations. Travelers should always confirm the latest requirements before booking.
Which Airlines Offer the Saudi Stopover Visa?
Currently, the stopover visa is most commonly associated with:
Saudia
Saudi Arabia's national carrier integrates stopover visa applications directly into the booking process.
flynas
Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost airline also offers stopover visa options during eligible bookings.
Passengers booking with these airlines can often apply for the visa as part of the flight reservation process.
How to Apply for a Saudi Stopover Visa
The application process is designed to be simple and largely digital.
Step 1: Book an Eligible Flight
Choose an international itinerary with a stopover in Saudi Arabia through Saudia or flynas.
Step 2: Select the Stopover Option
During the booking process, select the stopover visa service if available.
Step 3: Enter Personal Information
Provide:
- Passport details
- Contact information
- Travel itinerary
Step 4: Complete Payment
Although the visa itself is often free, travelers typically pay administrative and mandatory insurance fees.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa
The approved visa is usually delivered electronically via email before departure. Some applications are processed within hours.
Check the essential Saudi Stopover Visa requirements before planning your journey through the Kingdom
How Much Does a Saudi Stopover Visa Cost?
One of the biggest advantages of the Saudi Stopover Visa is its affordability.
In many cases:
- Government visa fee: Free
- Administrative fee: May apply
- Mandatory medical insurance: Required
- The total cost generally remains significantly lower than a standard tourist visa.
Exact fees can vary depending on the airline and current government regulations.
Can You Perform Umrah With a Saudi Stopover Visa?
Yes. One of the most popular features of the Saudi Stopover Visa is that eligible travelers may perform Umrah during their stopover. This option has become particularly attractive for Muslim travelers flying between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Eligible travelers may perform Umrah during their stopover, subject to current Saudi regulations and permit requirements.
Important requirements for Umrah via Stopover Visa:
- Register on the Nusuk platform (official Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah app/website) before travel
- Book an Umrah permit through Nusuk — do this in advance
- Book approved accommodation through Nusuk or via your airline
What you CAN do with a Stopover Visa:
- Perform Umrah in Makkah
- Visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah
- Explore heritage sites and cities (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam)
- Attend entertainment events
What you CANNOT do:
- Perform Hajj (requires a separate Hajj visa)
- Extend your stay beyond 96 hours (no extensions available)
- Enter Saudi Arabia for work or study
Pro tip: Apply for Nusuk permits at least 1-2 weeks before travel. During peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays), permits can sell out.
Saudi Stopover Visa vs Tourist Visa
| Feature | Stopover Visa | Tourist Visa |
| Purpose | Transit and short visit | Tourism |
| Stay Duration | Up to 96 hours | Longer stays |
| Airline Requirement | Usually Saudia or flynas | No |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Application Method | During flight booking | Separate application |
| Umrah Option | Yes (if eligible) | Yes (if eligible) |
For travelers simply passing through Saudi Arabia, the stopover visa is often the most convenient option.
What Can You Do in 96 Hours? Saudi Stopover Activities
The stopover visa isn't just a technicality for getting through immigration — it genuinely opens up the country for short visits:
Tourism — explore Jeddah's UNESCO-listed Al-Balad old town, visit Riyadh's entertainment districts, or see local attractions near your arrival city
Umrah — stopover visa holders can travel to Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet's Mosque, the same as holders of other valid Saudi visas. Note that appointments for Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi need to be scheduled through the Nusuk app
Business — informal business meetings during a layover are generally fine, though this isn't a substitute for a business visa if that's the primary purpose of your trip
Attending events — with Saudi Arabia's expanding calendar of festivals, concerts, and sporting events (Riyadh Season being the best-known example), some travelers now structure layovers specifically around catching an event.
One important restriction: the stopover visa cannot be used for Hajj. If your travel coincides with the Hajj season, different rules and restrictions apply, and some nationalities face temporary suspensions on visit visas during that period.
Learn how Saudia Airlines’ stopover policy allows travelers to explore Saudi Arabia during their journey
Where Can You Go with the Saudi Stopover Visa?
Travelers can generally visit destinations across Saudi Arabia, subject to applicable regulations and access restrictions.
Holders of the Stopover Visa can visit any part of the country:
- Riyadh: Capital city, entertainment venues, museums
- Jeddah: Red Sea coast, historic Al-Balad, corniche
- Diriyah: UNESCO World Heritage site, historical attractions
- Mecca & Medina: Religious sites (for eligible travelers)
- Abha: Southern mountains, cultural heritage
- All regions: No restrictions on destinations within Saudi Arabia
Saudi Airports for Stopover
The visa is available for transits through these Saudi airports:
| Airport | City | Code |
| King Abdulaziz International Airport | Jeddah | JED |
| King Khalid International Airport | Riyadh | RUH |
| King Fahd International Airport | Dammam | DMM |
Tips for a Smooth Stopover Experience
Check Passport Validity
Most travelers need at least six months of passport validity beyond their travel date.
Plan Your Accommodation
Book hotels in advance, especially during:
- Riyadh Season
- School holidays
- Eid holidays
- Peak Umrah periods
- Verify Entry Rules
Immigration requirements can change. Always review official guidance before departure.
Allow Time for Exploration
A 96-hour stopover provides enough time to visit more than one city if your itinerary is carefully planned.
FAQ: Saudi Stopover Visa
What is the Saudi Stopover Visa?
The Saudi Stopover Visa is a free 96-hour (4-day) transit visa for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas through Saudi airports, allowing travelers to explore the Kingdom during layovers.
Is the Saudi Stopover Visa free?
The Saudi 96-hour Stopover Visa is issued without a government visa fee for eligible passengers traveling with Saudia or Flynas. However, applicants are required to pay for mandatory medical insurance, and additional booking or service charges may apply depending on the airline and booking method.
Can I use the Stopover Visa with multiple airlines?
No, your flights must be on the same airline — either Saudia Airlines OR Flynas, not mixed.
Can I extend the 96-hour Stopover Visa?
No, the free 96-hour visa cannot be extended. For longer stays, apply for the paid e-Visa.
Is the Stopover Visa valid for multiple entries?
The free 96-hour visa is single-entry only.
What happens if my layover is longer than 96 hours?
You'd exceed the maximum stay allowed under the stopover visa. In that case, you'd need to apply for Saudi Arabia's standard tourist eVisa (if your nationality is eligible) to cover the additional time.
Where can I go with the Stopover Visa?
Holders can visit any part of Saudi Arabia — no restrictions on destinations within the country.
Which airlines are eligible for the free Stopover Visa?
Only Saudia Airlines (SV) and Flynas (XY) passengers qualify for the free 96-hour Stopover Visa.
Does the stopover visa let me re-enter Saudi Arabia later on the same trip?
The Stopover Visa is designed for short-term transit visits and should not be relied upon for repeated entries, but each individual stay is still capped at 96 hours — it's not a way to extend a single visit beyond that limit.
Can I leave the airport during my stopover?
Yes. The stopover visa is specifically designed to allow travelers to enter Saudi Arabia during their layover.
Do GCC residents need a Stopover Visa?
No. GCC citizens (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar) enjoy separate entry privileges and generally do not require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
