Saudi Transit (Stopover) Visa: Free 96-Hour Umrah Guide

One of the best-kept secrets in pilgrim travel: if you fly Saudia or flynas and transit through the Kingdom, you can get a free 96-hour stopover visa that lets you leave the airport — and even perform Umrah — during your layover. For anyone with a long connection through Jeddah or Riyadh, it turns dead airport hours into a genuine pilgrimage. Here is exactly how it works and how to make the most of the 96 hours. Terms change — verified July 2026; confirm on the airline and official portals when booking.

What the stopover visa is

The stopover (transit) visa admits transiting travellers for up to 96 hours. It is free — you pay only a small administrative and mandatory-insurance fee (for example, around SAR 39.50 plus SAR 13 insurance per the airlines' FAQs). It is created automatically when you book a qualifying Saudia or flynas flight and emailed after approval, so there is usually no separate application to chase.

Who is eligible

Anyone booking a qualifying flight with Saudia or flynas transiting through Saudi Arabia can apply, and GCC residents are eligible regardless of nationality. It is designed for travellers with a genuine transit, not as a substitute for a full tourist visa, so book it as part of a real connecting itinerary.

Can you perform Umrah on it?

Yes — stopover visa holders can perform Umrah, applying for the permit through Nusuk.sa like any other pilgrim. With 96 hours you have time to reach Makkah, perform Umrah, and return for your onward flight — provided you plan the transport tightly and don't try to fit in too much.

What fits in 96 hours

1. On arrival (Jeddah): clear immigration, meet your pre-booked driver, and head to Makkah (about 90 minutes).
2. Day 1–2: perform Umrah and rest near the Ḥaram.
3. Day 2–3: optional — extra worship, or a fast Haramain train hop toward Madinah if time genuinely allows.
4. Before 96 hours: return to the airport with a comfortable buffer for your onward flight.

The catch

The clock is real: 96 hours goes fast once you account for immigration, transfers and the Ḥaram's crowds. Keep the plan simple — Makkah and Umrah, not a grand tour — and pre-book every transfer so nothing slips. Build in a margin before your onward flight, since missing it because a taxi didn't show is a costly mistake. Compare airport routes in Jeddah Airport to Makkah.

Is it right for you?

The stopover visa is ideal if you already have a long Saudia or flynas connection and want to turn it into an Umrah, or if you're testing a short first trip. If you plan to stay longer or travel around the country, the ordinary tourist eVisa is the better fit. Either way, you still book your Umrah permit and Rawdah appointment through Nusuk. Details verified July 2026.