How to Apply for a Saudi Transit Visa in 2025

Are you planning a stopover in Saudi Arabia and wondering how to make the most of your layover? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a convenient solution for travelers with layovers through the Saudi transit visa, allowing passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours (4 days). This guide will walk you through the entire process of applying for the Saudi transit visa, the requirements, and the benefits of this short-term visa option.

Whether you are flying through Saudi Arabia on your way to another destination or want to explore some of the country’s rich culture and landmarks during your transit, this article will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial on how to apply for the Saudi transit visa online, especially when flying with Saudi Airlines or Flynas.

Table of Contents

• Outline
• Introduction to the Saudi Transit Visa
• Step 1: Understanding the Saudi Transit Visa and Its Validity
• Step 2: Checking Eligibility and Requirements
• Step 3: Booking Your Flight Through Approved Airlines
• Step 4: Applying for the Transit Visa Online
• Step 5: Receiving Your Visa and Preparing for Your Stay
• Important Terms and Conditions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Introduction to the Saudi Transit Visa

The Saudi transit visa is designed to facilitate travelers who have a layover in Saudi Arabia lasting less than 96 hours. This visa provides an excellent opportunity for passengers to leave the airport and explore major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam during their stopover. Introduced as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism and align with its Vision 2030 goals, the transit visa enhances the travel experience and encourages economic growth.

This single-entry visa allows travelers to enjoy the country briefly without needing to apply for a full tourist visa, making it a convenient option for transit passengers.

Step 1: Understanding the Saudi Transit Visa and Its Validity

The Saudi transit visa is an electronic visa (e-visa) specifically designed for passengers who have a stopover in Saudi Arabia lasting up to 96 hours (4 days). Here are some important details to understand about this visa:

• Validity Duration: The visa allows a maximum stay of 96 hours from the time of entry.
• Single Entry: The transit visa is valid for a single entry only and expires once used.
• Reapplication: If you have a layover on your return journey, you can reapply for a new transit visa after your initial flight has departed Saudi Arabia.
• Purpose: The visa permits passengers to leave the airport during their stopover and explore the country or attend business meetings, tourism, or religious visits such as Umrah.

This visa type is ideal for those who want to make the most of their transit time and experience Saudi Arabia without the hassle of obtaining a longer-term visa.

Step 2: Checking Eligibility and Requirements

Before applying for the Saudi transit visa, it is crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents ready. The transit visa is available to travelers of all nationalities, but you must meet the following requirements:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• Personal Photo: You need a digital personal photo with specific requirements: 200×200 pixels in size and a file size of no more than 20 kilobytes.
• Confirmed Flight Booking: You must have a confirmed airline ticket booked through Saudi Airlines (Saudia) or Flynas, which are the partner airlines authorized to offer the transit visa.
• Visa Fee: The visa fee is 97 Saudi Riyals (SAR), payable online during the application process.

It is important to note that passengers who are authorized to obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia are not eligible to apply for the transit visa online. Also, companions under 18 years old can apply for the visa only if they are traveling with their adult guardians.

Step 3: Booking Your Flight Through Approved Airlines

The Saudi transit visa is currently available exclusively to passengers booking flights through Saudi Airlines (Saudia) or Flynas. Here’s how to proceed with your flight booking:

1. Visit the official Saudi Airlines or Flynas website. You can find the Saudia website link in the description box of the original video or directly on their official sites.
2. Choose your international departure city and your final destination, ensuring that your flight includes a stopover in Saudi Arabia.
3. Select flights with a connection time of up to 96 hours (4 days) in Saudi Arabia. This will allow you to apply for the transit visa and stay in the country legally during your layover.
4. If you have a return flight with a stopover in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for a transit visa for each leg of your journey, but you must reapply after your first flight has departed.

Booking your flight through the approved airlines is a crucial step because the option to apply for the transit visa will only appear during the booking process on these airlines’ official platforms.

Step 4: Applying for the Transit Visa Online

Once you have booked your flight through Saudi Airlines or Flynas, you can proceed to apply for the Saudi transit visa online. Follow these steps during your booking process:

1. Look for the option to apply for the Saudi transit visa when selecting your flights. This option usually appears when the stopover duration is less than 96 hours.
2. Click on the “Visit Saudi” or “Transit Visa” button to start your visa application.
3. Select your stopover flight details, including the number of days you wish to stay in Saudi Arabia. The duration you select should match your flight connection time.
4. If you have a return flight with a layover, you can also apply for a transit visa for that leg, but remember to reapply after the initial flight has departed.
5. Continue with the booking process until you reach the payment page. You will pay the ticket fare and the transit visa fee (SAR 97) in one seamless transaction.
6. Complete the payment using your preferred payment method.

After successfully completing the payment and application process, you will receive an email containing your issued transit visa and insurance coverage valid for the duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Step 5: Receiving Your Visa and Preparing for Your Stay

After applying and paying for your Saudi transit visa, here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your stopover:

• Visa Delivery: The approved transit visa will be sent to your email address. Be sure to print or save a digital copy to show upon arrival.
• Travel Insurance: The visa comes with insurance coverage valid for the duration of your transit stay. This insurance is automatically included during the visa application process.
• Entry at Saudi Arabia: Upon arrival, present your passport, transit visa, and confirmed flight tickets to the immigration authorities.
• Stay Duration: You can enjoy your stay for up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia. Make sure you exit the country before the visa expires.
• Reapplication for Return Transit: If you have a layover on your return flight, you must apply separately for a new transit visa after your initial flight has departed Saudi Arabia.

During your stopover, you have the opportunity to explore major attractions, experience local culture, or attend business meetings depending on your interests and itinerary.

Important Terms and Conditions

• The visa fee of 97 Saudi Riyals is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied or you do not use the visa.
• Companions under 18 years of age must apply for the transit visa along with their adult guardians.
• Passengers eligible for visa on arrival are not eligible to apply for the transit visa online.
• The transit visa is a single-entry, single-use visa and expires once used.
• The visa duration is strictly limited to a maximum of 96 hours; extensions are not allowed.
• Always ensure your travel documents, including your passport and flight tickets, are valid and consistent with your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to apply for the Saudi transit visa?

Any traveler with a layover of less than 96 hours in Saudi Arabia, who has booked their flight through Saudi Airlines or Flynas, is eligible to apply. Your passport must have at least six months of validity.

Can I apply for the transit visa if I book flights with airlines other than Saudi Airlines or Flynas?

No. The Saudi transit visa is only available for passengers booking their flights through Saudi Airlines (Saudia) or Flynas, as these airlines are authorized to offer the visa option during booking.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on the transit visa?

The transit visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days) from the time of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Can I extend the Saudi transit visa if I want to stay longer?

No. The transit visa is strictly limited to a maximum stay of 96 hours and cannot be extended.

What documents are required to apply for the transit visa?

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a personal photo (200×200 pixels, max 20 KB), and a confirmed flight booking through Saudi Airlines or Flynas.

Can minors apply for the transit visa?

Yes, companions under 18 years old can apply for the transit visa but must be accompanied by their adult guardians.

Is the visa fee refundable if my visa gets rejected or I cancel my trip?

No. The 97 SAR visa fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Can I use the transit visa for multiple entries during my journey?

No. The transit visa is a single-entry visa and expires once used. If you have a stopover on your return flight, you will need to apply for a new transit visa after your first departure from Saudi Arabia.

Will I receive travel insurance with the transit visa?

Yes. Insurance coverage valid for the duration of your stay is automatically included with the transit visa.

Conclusion

The Saudi transit visa is a fantastic opportunity for travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia to experience the country for up to 96 hours without the need for a full tourist visa. By booking your flights with Saudi Airlines or Flynas and following the simple online application process, you can easily obtain this visa and make the most of your layover.

Remember to prepare all required documents, adhere to the visa terms and conditions, and plan your stopover activities within the allowed duration. Whether you want to explore the vibrant cities, visit religious sites, or attend business events, the Saudi transit visa offers a convenient and hassle-free way to enhance your travel experience.

For more updates and detailed information, you can visit the official websites of Saudi Airlines and Flynas or follow trusted travel information sources.

Enjoy your journey and your time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!