Saudi Arabia Opens Free 96-Hour Transit Visa for Umrah Layovers in Major Travel Push
Passengers flying with Saudia or Flynas can now stop for up to four days in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah or visit holy sites at minimal cost
Saudi Arabia has introduced a streamlined stopover visa allowing transiting travellers to stay up to 96 hours and perform Umrah or visit key religious sites, boosting the Kingdom’s appeal as both spiritual destination and transit hub.
Eligible passengers must book flights with either Saudia or Flynas and hold a confirmed onward ticket.
The transit-visa itself is free of charge, though applicants must pay a processing fee of SAR 39.50 (approx.
US$10) and mandatory medical insurance from SAR 13. The visa is valid for single entry and must be used within 90 days of issuance.
During the layover, holders may stay up to four days in the Kingdom, enabling visits to Makkah and Medina and the performance of Umrah, provided they register ahead of arrival on the official Nusuk.sa platform.
A passport valid for six months, confirmed onward flight, and passport-style photo (200×200 px) are prerequisites.
This policy supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of expanding religious and cultural tourism, while offering a convenient stop-over option for international travellers who previously might have simply passed through the Kingdom.
Visitors should note that the stay cannot be extended beyond 96 hours and the visa only applies when travelling via the two national carriers.
Those flying other airlines must apply for a standard transit visa instead.
With the new scheme in place, travellers now have an opportunity to combine their journey with a meaningful religious or cultural experience, turning a flight connection into a short pilgrimage or visit to the Kingdom’s heritage sites.
Eligible passengers must book flights with either Saudia or Flynas and hold a confirmed onward ticket.
The transit-visa itself is free of charge, though applicants must pay a processing fee of SAR 39.50 (approx.
US$10) and mandatory medical insurance from SAR 13. The visa is valid for single entry and must be used within 90 days of issuance.
During the layover, holders may stay up to four days in the Kingdom, enabling visits to Makkah and Medina and the performance of Umrah, provided they register ahead of arrival on the official Nusuk.sa platform.
A passport valid for six months, confirmed onward flight, and passport-style photo (200×200 px) are prerequisites.
This policy supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of expanding religious and cultural tourism, while offering a convenient stop-over option for international travellers who previously might have simply passed through the Kingdom.
Visitors should note that the stay cannot be extended beyond 96 hours and the visa only applies when travelling via the two national carriers.
Those flying other airlines must apply for a standard transit visa instead.
With the new scheme in place, travellers now have an opportunity to combine their journey with a meaningful religious or cultural experience, turning a flight connection into a short pilgrimage or visit to the Kingdom’s heritage sites.
