Saudi Arabia now offers stopover visas to all passengers on flynas or Saudia flights. Effective immediately, travelers can apply for a 96-hour visa for tourism, business, or to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. This initiative positions Saudi among several other countries in the region that offer short-term visas to increase tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s Stopover Visa is Open to all

Flynas, a Saudi low-cost airline, announced yesterday that travelers flying with it and flag carrier Saudia can now get a stopover visa. These visas, valid for 96 hours, can be applied for up to 90 days before travel and permit visits to the Kingdom during layovers. Requests must be made during flight booking with either airline and a response with the eVisa will be sent to the registered email within 4 hours.

“The Saudi Vision 2030 has laid the foundations for cooperation among the regulatory and executive sectors on one hand, and with the private sector on the other hand, to serve the Kingdom’s goals in all sectors. Today, we see a practical application of this integration and cooperation by enabling the national carriers to facilitate a request for issuing a Stopover visa, which facilitates procedures of obtaining a Stopover visa for whoever wishes to visit the Kingdom.”

Bandar Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas

The stopover visa is available to all nationalities, without restrictions, who fly with flynas or Saudia. Currently, Flyadeal is not included but may be added in the future as it is a national airline.

READ ALSO: Saudi Arabia’s New Mega Airport: The King Salman International Airport

Saudi Arabia Expands Stopover Visa Availability for Boosting Tourism

The stopover visa is part of Saudi’s Vision 2030 economic diversification program, which aims to boost tourism through improved air connectivity. As part of this effort, Saudi Arabia began offering eVisas to visitors from various countries, including the EU, US, Russia, and Malaysia, in 2019.

However, many nationalities still faced complex visa procedures. Later, holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas were allowed to get visas upon arrival, but not those with regular passports. The recent change makes stopover visas available to all.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s decision to offer stopover visas to all travelers on flynas and Saudia flights is a major step towards its goal of boosting tourism and diversifying its economy. The 96-hour visas, available for tourism, business, or Umrah pilgrimage purposes, will make it easier for travelers from around the world to experience the country’s rich culture and history. This move, combined with the previously introduced eVisas for visitors from various countries, demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving air connectivity and creating a more welcoming environment for visitors.

With this new initiative, will you consider making a stopover in Saudi Arabia during your next trip?

READ ALSO: Saudi Arabia’s New Mega Airport: The King Salman International Airport

• Featured image by: Chris Camille