How to perform Umrah on a free Saudi transit visa

Dubai: If you are a resident of a GCC country and planning international travel with a layover in Saudi Arabia, you can now take advantage of a free stopover visa that allows you to perform Umrah during your transit. This visa is available through bookings with Saudia Airlines and flynas, offering a convenient way to combine long-haul travel with a spiritual visit.

What is Saudi’s free stopover visa?

The Saudi transit visa or stopover visa is a special visa that allows travelers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours (four days). It is available to passengers flying on Saudia Airlines or Flynas, and can be used to visit Makkah or Madinah for religious purposes like Umrah and Ziyarah. The visa is free of charge, with only minimal fees for processing and mandatory medical insurance.

Who can apply?

Eligibility criteria:

• Available to any traveler passing through Saudi Arabia with a stopover.

• Must be flying on Saudia Airlines or Flynas.

• GCC residents, not just citizens, are eligible.

• Travelers using other airlines can apply for a standard transit visa instead.

Benefits of the Stopover visa

• Free visa with only minor costs for application and insurance

• Stay up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia

• Perform Umrah or visit other holy sites

• Automatic visa issuance when booking eligible flights

• Valid for 90 days from the date of issue

Visitors must book Umrah or Ziyarah appointments in advance via Nusuk.sa, the official platform for religious visits.

Visa validity and duration

• Validity: 90 days from the date of issuance

• Maximum stay: 96 hours (4 days)

• Single-entry only

• Not extendable

Subject to change based on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Required documents and conditions

To be eligible for the transit visa, you will need:

• A passport valid for at least six months with no restrictions

• A confirmed onward ticket and, if applicable, a valid visa or residence permit for your destination

• A passport-sized photo (200x200px, max 20KB) meeting Saudi visa requirements.

Booking with Saudia airlines

• Visa fee: Free

• Application fee: SAR 39.50 (Dh 38.68)

• Medical insurance: From SAR 13 (Dh12.73)

• Validity: 3 months

• Stay: Up to 96 hours

• Application method: Automatically processed during booking.

Booking with Flynas

• Visa fee: Free

• Application fee: SAR 39.50 (Dh 38.68)

• Medical insurance: From SAR 13 (Dh12.73)

• Validity: Three months

• Stay: Up to 96 hours

• Application method: Issued automatically when booking your flight.

How to apply for the free transit visa

1. Visit 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 a stopover visa during booking.

5. Fill in:

• Passport number

• Emirates ID (if applicable)

• Contact details and address

• Upload passport-size photo

• Declare any required medical info

6. Complete the booking and payment process.

7. After confirmation, your transit visa and insurance documents will be emailed to you, usually within minutes.