UAE: How can passengers to Umrah with free transit visa during lowover in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is now presenting a convenient and cost effective manner for international passengers, including GCC residents, which performs Umrah during the layout in the state. By booking flights with Saudi Airlines or Flynus, eligible passengers can get a free stopover visa that provides access to maize and madina for 96 hours. Here is a complete, wide breakdown of how the system works, the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What is Saudi stopover visa?
Saudi Arabia’s transit visa, also known as a stopover visa, allows international passengers to stay in the state for 96 hours (4 days). The visa was introduced to encourage religious purposes such as Umrah and Ziara as well as short-term visits for tourists. Visa is free, with only minimum fee for processing and compulsory medical insurance.Main details:
- Valid for 90 days from the date of the issue.
- Duration: maximum 96 hours, single-entry only.
- Only Saudi is available through Airlines and Flynus booking.
- Free processing and free with insurance fee.
- Passengers apply to passengers only with confirmation of further travel.
- Umrah or Xiara appointments should be booked through nusuk.sa platform.
Who can apply?
Stopover visa is roughly available, but there are some specific conditions for qualification:Eligibility:
- Open to any international traveler through Saudi Arabia.
- Should flight with Saudi or Flynus; Not valid with other airlines.
- GCC residents are eligible, even if they are not citizens.
- Passengers on other airlines need to apply for a standard transit visa instead.
Benefits of stopover visa
This visa offers many benefits for those interested in religious travel or brief tourism trips:
- Issuing free visas (only slight fee for processing and implementing insurance).
- Enables Umrah and Ziara without the need for a separate religious visa.
- The flight was released automatically during the booking process.
- Allows to stay in Saudi Arabia to 96 hours.
- Valid for 3 months from the date of release.
Necessary documents and conditions
To successfully apply and give visas, passengers must meet the following documents and status criteria:Documents need:
- The passport is valid for at least 6 months, with no restrictions.
- Confirmed forward flight tickets and visas/residence permits (if applicable) for the final destination.
- A passport-shaped photo (200×200 pixels, maximum 20kb) that meets Saudi visa photo requirements.
Visa validity and duration
- Validity: 90 days from the issue of issuance
- Maximum migration: 96 hours (4 days)
- Single-entry only
- Not expandable
Under Saudi Foreign Ministry basisBooking with Saudi AirlinesBooking with flynus
- Visa Fee: Free
- Application Fee: SAR 39.50 (DH 38.68)
- Medical Insurance: SAR 13 to (DH12.73)
- Validity: Three months
- Stay: up to 96 hours
- Application method: Automatically released while booking your flight.
How to apply for free transit visa
1. Go to the airline website (Saudia.com Or Flynas.com,2. Search for flights with a stopover in Saudi Arabia (either on your outbound or return journey).3. Choose your flight and enter your personal and travel details.4. Select the option to apply for stopover visa during booking.5. Fill:
- Passport number
- Emirate ID (if applied)
- Contact details and address
- Upload passport-shaped photo
- Announce any necessary medical information
6. Complete the booking and payment process.7. After confirmation, your transit visa and insurance documents will be emailed to you, usually within minutes.Note: Passengers must register and book their Umrah or Ziara appointments Nusuk.sa Premature platforms as part of the stopover visa process.
