Saudi Arabia: Be Careful Not to Apply for Your Transit Visa Too Early
Travelers can secure a free Saudi e-transit visa via Saudia or Flynas, but timing is critical—valid for just 90 days from issuance.
A free electronic transit visa can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when booking a flight with Saudia or Flynas.
All nationalities are eligible for this service provided their passport remains valid for at least six months after arrival. When making a reservation, simply select the desired departure and arrival destinations and choose connecting flights with your preferred layover duration. This transit visa allows stays of up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia. Applicants must complete an online form and submit a passport photo. After payment, an email will be sent with the electronic visa and mandatory medical insurance included in the request.
However, note that the transit visa is valid for only 90 days from the date of issue, meaning travelers with distant trips cannot secure it through airline websites. In such cases, an alternative is to pay for a standard transit visa via an embassy or apply for a one-year e-Tourist visa instead. Several travelers have highlighted this limitation.
An important benefit is that pilgrims can perform Umrah during their Saudi layover by booking on the Nusuk.sa platform.
This visa also includes a free night at a partner hotel under conditions outlined on the Saudia website.
Conditions are subject to change depending on the airline.
