Saudi Arabia transit visa guide
Long layover in Jeddah or Riyadh? Airline stopover visas cover short breaks, and the tourist eVisa covers everything longer — including city tours during the layover.
Get the full eVisaWhich transit case is yours?
Staying airside
No exit — short layover
Staying inside the international transit area without passing immigration generally needs no visa. Confirm with your airline — some carriers or nationalities still require a transit document.
Leaving the airport
Airline stopover visa
Saudia and flynas issue stopover transit visas with qualifying tickets — typically up to 96 hours to leave the airport. Fare perks may include a hotel night. Ask the airline when booking.
Long layover or flexible
Tourist eVisa
Any nationality on the direct list can use the standard eVisa: 1-year validity, multiple entries, 90-day stays. Ideal if the stopover is longer than 96 hours or you travel through Saudi often.
Crossing by land or sea? Border crossings require a normal entry visa in advance — GCC citizens are the only exemption.
Make the stopover count
Jeddah stopover
Al-Balad old town and the Corniche are within reach of the airport for a 6+ hour layover with a stopover visa.
Riyadh stopover
Kingdom Centre's sky bridge and downtown Riyadh work well for evening layovers with any entry document.
Hotel perks
Airline stopover programs often bundle discounted or free hotel nights — compare when choosing your ticket.
Timing buffer
Immigration, biometrics, and return security take time. Keep at least 6–8 hours on the ground to leave the airport safely.
FAQs
Transit FAQs
Still unsure?
Our team is available 24/7 on chat and WhatsApp.
Do I need a visa to transit Saudi Arabia? +
Airside connections generally do not. Leaving the airport always does — via the airline stopover visa or the standard eVisa.
What is the airline stopover visa? +
Saudia and flynas issue it with qualifying tickets for layovers up to about 96 hours. Details and perks depend on the fare program.
Layover longer than 96 hours? +
Use the tourist eVisa — one year valid, multiple entries, 90 days of total stay. See the product page →
Transit by land or sea? +
Requires a normal entry visa in advance. GCC citizens enter visa-free with a national ID.
Does the stopover visa include a hotel? +
Often, yes — discounted or free nights come with qualifying stopover fares. Check the airline's program page.
eVisa cost? +
$219.00 total — $158.00 visa charge including mandatory insurance, plus $61.00 service.
Turn your layover into a trip
The eVisa is valid for a full year — your next three stopovers are already covered.
Apply now — $219