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Saudi Arabia Transit Visa

The Saudi Arabia Transit Visa, also known as the Stopover Visa, allows travellers passing through the Kingdom en route to another destination to leave the airport and explore for up to 96 hours (4 days). Issued electronically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is open to travellers of all nationalities with a layover of between 12 and 96 hours, and covers air, land, and sea transit. Passengers booking their connecting flights through Saudia or Flynas can often obtain the transit visa free of charge (excluding a small administrative and insurance fee), created automatically during the flight booking process. Travellers flying with other airlines, or who already hold a qualifying ticket, can apply for a standard transit visa through the official KSA Visa platform. Transit visa holders can go sightseeing, conduct business, or perform Umrah (but not Hajj) during their stopover. Final approval rests solely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and entry is confirmed by the passport officer on arrival.

Eligibility

To apply for a Saudi Arabia Transit Visa, applicants generally must:

  • Be travelling onward to a different country (Saudi Arabia cannot be the final destination)
  • Have a layover in Saudi Arabia of between 12 and 96 hours
  • Hold a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third destination
  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, considering any bilateral agreements between Saudi Arabia and the traveller’s home country
  • Be aged 18 or older, or travelling with a guardian if a minor
  • Hold mandatory medical/travel insurance (automatically calculated during application)
  • Hold a valid entry visa or residence permit for the final destination, if required

The free Stopover Visa promotion is available exclusively to passengers booking their connecting itinerary through Saudia or Flynas.

Government Visa Fees

Fee ComponentApproximate Cost
Free Stopover Visa (via Saudia or Flynas booking)Approx. SAR 39.50 (USD 10.50) application/insurance fee only
Standard Transit Visa (via KSA Visa platform, other airlines)Approximately USD 25–45, including mandatory insurance

*The transit visa itself is free when booked through Saudia or Flynas, but a small administrative and insurance fee still applies. Standard transit visas obtained outside this promotion, via the KSA Visa platform, carry their own combined visa and insurance charge. Fees are non-refundable and subject to change. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm exact Saudi Arabia Visa Fees with your airline or the official KSA Visa platform.

Saudi Arabia Visa Processing Time

Saudi Arabia Visa Processing Time for the Transit Visa is exceptionally fast. When booked through Saudia or Flynas, the visa is created automatically at the point of flight booking and emailed to the passenger almost instantly, typically within minutes and no later than 4 hours. When applied for separately through the standard KSA Visa platform (for travellers using other airlines), processing is also generally quick, often completed within a similar short timeframe once the application, photo, and payment are submitted. Applicants can apply for the Stopover Visa up to 3 months in advance of travel. Obtaining the visa does not guarantee entry — final admission is determined by the passport control officer upon arrival.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, considering bilateral agreements)
Recent digital passport-style photograph (typically 200x200 pixels, file size under 20kb)
Confirmed onward travel ticket to your final destination
Valid entry visa or residence permit for your final destination, if required
Proof of your connecting flight booking (Saudia, Flynas, or other airline)
Mandatory travel/medical insurance (calculated automatically during application)

Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Choose flights with a layover in Saudi Arabia of between 12 and 96 hours.
If booking with Saudia or Flynas, look for eligible stopover connections during the booking process — the free Stopover Visa is generated automatically.
If flying with another airline, visit the official KSA Visa platform and select the applicable transit visa (Land, Air, or Sea Transit Visa).
Enter your personal and passport information, along with your onward travel ticket details.
Upload your digital photograph meeting the required specifications.
Pay the applicable visa/insurance fee.
Receive your electronic transit visa by email, typically within minutes to a few hours.
Present your visa, passport, and onward ticket to the passport officer upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Important Notes

Visa approval and final entry are decided solely by Saudi passport control officers, even after eVisa/transit visa issuance.
The transit/stopover visa allows a maximum stay of 96 hours and cannot be extended under any circumstances.
It is a single-entry visa per booking and is non-reusable.
The free Stopover Visa promotion applies only to passengers booking connections through Saudia or Flynas.
Transit visa holders can perform Umrah (with a Nusuk appointment) but not Hajj.
Work of any kind, paid or unpaid, is strictly prohibited on this visa.
Overstaying incurs a fine of SAR 100 per day beyond the permitted stay.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Saudi Arabia Transit Visa requires accurate documentation, a confirmed onward travel itinerary, and compliance with the transit requirements prescribed by the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with transit visa application forms, passport documentation, onward flight details, travel itinerary, and all required supporting documents. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable transit visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Saudi Arabia Transit Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Transit Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a Saudi Arabia Transit Visa cost?
The Stopover Visa is free of charge when booked through Saudia or Flynas, aside from a small administrative and insurance fee of approximately SAR 39.50 (USD 10.50). A standard transit visa via the KSA Visa platform for other airlines typically costs approximately USD 25–45, including insurance.
2. How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a Transit Visa?
The Transit (Stopover) Visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days), and this period cannot be extended under any circumstances.
3. Do all nationalities qualify for the Saudi Arabia Transit Visa?
Yes, the transit visa is open to travellers of all nationalities, provided their layover falls between 12 and 96 hours and they meet the standard passport and documentation requirements.
4. Can I perform Umrah during a Saudi Arabia stopover?
Yes, transit visa holders can perform Umrah during their stopover, provided they book an appointment through the official Nusuk platform in advance. Hajj, however, is not permitted on this visa.
5. How long does the Saudi Arabia Transit Visa take to process?
When booked through Saudia or Flynas, the visa is generated automatically and emailed almost instantly, typically within a few minutes and no later than 4 hours. Standard transit visa applications via the KSA Visa platform are also generally processed quickly.