Saudi Arabia Announces Free Four-Day Stopover Transit Visa

Saudi Arabia has taken another step forward in making it easier to visit the country. This week marks the launch of a new, free-of-charge four-day stopover transit visa for air travelers.

The new program, which is detailed on the SAUDIA website, allows travelers to book an international flight with a stopover of up to 96 hours in the country, during which visitors can perform Umrah and the Prophet's Mosque, as well as explore tourist and historic attractions. Making the entire process even easier, the stopover visa, which is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, can be obtained immediately during the booking process.

As part of the new program, travelers will also be offered free hotel accommodations for one night.

In order to obtain the stopover visa travelers must book flights through specific digital channels, which include the SAUDIA or Flynas websites. In addition, travelers must have a recognized passport that does not include any restrictions or conditions and the passport must be valid for at least six months.

The stopover visa is valid for three months from the time it is secured. And once in Saudi Arabia, the stopover cannot be extended beyond 96 hours.

The new program is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 efforts, which is a strategic framework to reduce the country's dependence on oil and diversify its economy, including enhancing its tourism sector. The country issued its first tourist visa in 2019.

Saudi Arabia is home to two of the holiest cities, Makkah and Medinam, which play a central role in the Muslim faith. While Makkah and parts of Medina are accessible only to Muslims, there are many mosques in the kingdom that are open to and welcome visitors of all faiths.