Saudi Arabia: Stopover Visa Program Launched for Transiting Passengers on Select Airlines
February 2, 2023
Effective immediately, travelers transiting through Saudi airports on flights operated by Saudia or Flynas may obtain a free electronic visa (e-visa) through the Stopover Visa Program. The program permits a single-entry for up to 96 hours into Saudi Arabia and allows travelers to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, travel domestically within the country and attend tourism events. The stopover e-visa can only be obtained while purchasing air tickets through the two Saudi Arabian airlines; applicants are expected to receive a response either instantaneously or within four hours to their registered email, which will include the issued e-visa. The e-visa will be issued with a validity of three months and have health insurance included. Travelers should present a printed copy of the e-visa upon arrival at one of Saudi Arabia’s airports and must ensure that they meet all immigration entry requirements, irrespective of the duration of their transit period. A stopover e-visa will not be issued for the following passengers: those with a valid Saudi visa that allows them to enter Saudi Arabia; those authorized to obtain a visa-on-arrival to Saudi Arabia; and those under the age of 18, unless included as companions in the principal’s e-visa application. However, if the application is rejected for one of the applicants, all travelers in the same application will also be rejected.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.
Blog post
Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.
Video
In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.
Blog post
Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.
Video
In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.