The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia recently announced a new 4-day transit visa for air passengers transiting through the country. This visa is intended to provide short-term visitors with the opportunity to explore the Kingdom during their layover.

While the transit visa may be useful for those who only have a short amount of time to spend in Saudi Arabia, the online eVisa remains the recommended visa for tourists. The eVisa allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days, as well as allowing for multiple entries during the visa's validity period.

To obtain the eVisa, visitors can apply online through the Visit Saudi Arabia website, which provides a streamlined and convenient process for visa applications. The eVisa is available for citizens of 49 eligible countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and countries within the Schengen area.

Applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport for at least six months and a confirmed return ticket. Additionally, female visitors under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a male relative or friend who is over 18 years of age.

Visitors with the eVisa can perform Umrah, visit religious sites and historical landmarks, and enjoy tourist trips throughout the Kingdom. The eVisa is valid for up to 12 months and allows for multiple entries, making it an ideal option for those planning to spend an extended period of time in Saudi Arabia.

While the new transit visa is a welcome addition for those with limited time in Saudi Arabia, the eVisa remains the preferred option for tourists looking to make the most of their visit to the Kingdom. The eVisa provides greater flexibility and longer stay options, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore all that Saudi Arabia has to offer.

Obtaining the New Saudi Stopover Visa

• Saudi Arabia has introduced a new transit visa, called the "Stopover Visa", aimed at attracting more tourists to the country.
• Passengers booking international flights to Saudi Arabia can apply for the transit visa through electronic platforms set up by airlines.
• The Stopover Visa is designed for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia who wish to stop for a few days, rather than those planning a week-long vacation.
• The visa allows stays of up to 4 days or 96 hours at a time and can be used at any Saudi airport.
• It permits holders to visit any part of the country and is valid for three months.
• The Stopover Visa is valid for multiple stopovers until it expires.
• While the Stopover Visa is a useful option for travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia, it does not allow enough time to explore the country thoroughly.
• For longer stays, up to 90 days and multiple visits, the online eVisa is still the recommended option for tourists.
• The Stopover Visa cannot be used to perform the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which requires a separate visa.
• The Saudi government has introduced the Stopover Visa as part of its efforts to diversify the country's economy and promote tourism.
• The visa is aimed at boosting transit traffic and encouraging tourists to stop in Saudi Arabia for a few days, thereby contributing to the local economy.
• The introduction of the Stopover Visa is part of a broader plan to make Saudi Arabia a top global tourist destination, with the government investing in infrastructure and cultural initiatives to attract visitors.

How do I get the Saudi Transit Visa?

To apply for the Stopover Visa, travelers can visit the airline booking platform and apply for it while purchasing their flights. The visa is digital and is delivered by email, making the application process convenient and hassle-free. This visa allows stays of up to 4 days or 96 hours at a time and is valid for 3 months. Holders of the Stopover Visa can visit any part of the country and use it at any Saudi airport. It is a great option for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia who wish to stop for a few days and explore the country.

Activities Permitted with the Saudi Stopover Visa

The new Stopover Visa in Saudi Arabia allows travelers to engage in various activities during their 4-day stay in the Kingdom. They can use it to transit through Saudi Arabia to another country or engage in tourist activities, such as exploring the cities, visiting historical and religious sites, and enjoying local cuisine. Additionally, the visa allows visitors to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and visit Masjid Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, located in Madinah. However, it is important to note that travelers must leave the Kingdom within the 4-day limit provided by the visa.

Hajj Restrictions with the New Saudi Transit Visa

The Stopover Visa cannot be used to perform the Hajj for two reasons. Firstly, the Hajj pilgrimage requires an extended stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is not possible with a transit visa. Secondly, pilgrims must obtain a Hajj permit, which is not possible with a transit visa. Hence, pilgrims who wish to perform the Hajj must obtain a different type of visa specifically designed for the purpose. The Saudi government issues Hajj visas to eligible applicants, which allows them to perform the pilgrimage and stay in the Kingdom for an extended period. The process of obtaining a Hajj visa typically involves working with a registered Hajj tour operator, who will arrange transportation, accommodation, and other logistics for the pilgrimage. It is essential to apply for a Hajj visa well in advance of the pilgrimage, as the number of visas issued is limited, and the demand for them is high.

Choosing Between the Transit Visa and Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia

Here are the key points about the advantages of the tourist eVisa compared to the Stopover Visa:

• The tourist eVisa is recommended for longer stays and more flexibility in travel plans.
• The tourist eVisa can be obtained online through a simple application form with rapid processing.
• It is valid for 1 year compared to the 3-month validity of the Stopover Visa.
• The tourist eVisa permits multiple visits of up to 90 days, while the Stopover Visa allows only a 4-day stay.
• Additional services, such as Embassy Registration, are available through eVisa applications.
• The tourist eVisa offers more time to explore the country and its many attractions.
• Unlike the Stopover Visa, the tourist eVisa allows for extended stays and is suitable for tourists planning longer trips.
• The eVisa is also a better option for those planning to perform the Hajj, as it permits a longer stay and provides the opportunity to obtain a Hajj permit.

In summary, while the Stopover Visa is useful for short stays and transiting through Saudi Arabia, the tourist eVisa offers more flexibility, a longer stay, and additional services for tourists planning a longer visit to the Kingdom.

Reasons Behind Saudi Arabia's Introduction of the 4-Day Transit Visa

The recent launch of the new Saudi Stopover Visa is part of the country's efforts to promote its tourism industry and reduce its reliance on oil. The Stopover Visa, available to international travelers booking flights to Saudi Arabia, allows a four-day stay in the country, making it an ideal option for transit passengers who want to explore the country before continuing their journey.

The Stopover Visa is a significant development for Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, which only started issuing tourist visas in 2019. The eVisa is still the recommended option for tourists who want to explore the country for more extended periods, as it allows stays of up to 90 days and multiple entries.

Saudi Arabia is a significant global transit hub, with many passengers stopping over at its airports on their way to other destinations. By allowing travelers to spend a day or two in the country between flights, Saudi Arabia is not only gaining income in the short term, but it is also establishing itself as a desirable tourist destination and giving travelers a reason to return.

The Stopover Visa is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a world-class destination for tourists. The Kingdom's long-term plan, called "Vision 2030," aims to reduce its dependence on oil in favor of tourism, recreation, and other sectors. In 2022, Saudi Arabia achieved the highest number of tourist arrivals among all the G20 countries, which is a significant achievement.

According to Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board member at the Saudi Tourism Authority, the introduction of the Stopover Visa is a landmark example of integrated public and private sector cooperation. Hamidaddin highlights that the country's national air carriers, SAUDIA and Flynas, are using digital platforms to provide an instant Stopover Visa, which only enhances Saudi Arabia's accessibility and its world-class destination offering.

In conclusion, the new Stopover Visa is a significant step for Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, and it highlights the country's efforts to attract more visitors and reduce its dependence on oil. With the country's rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture, the Stopover Visa is a fantastic opportunity for travelers to experience Saudi Arabia's beauty and hospitality.