Saudi Arabia: Stopover Visa Program Launched for Transiting Passengers on Select Airlines

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.