Is a visa required for transit in Saudi Arabia?
Frequently asked questions about transit in Saudi Arabia: visa, duration, airport exits. Prepare for your stopover with confidence.
Are you planning a stopover in Saudi Arabia on your next trip, and wondering whether you need a transit visa? You've come to the right place for clear, precise answers. Transit to Saudi Arabia can be a common step for many international travellers, but the associated rules and requirements can seem complex. This page aims to provide you with all the information you need to understand Saudi transit requirements and make informed decisions for your trip. When planning air travel with a stopover in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to understand the transit rules to avoid any unexpected inconvenience at the airport. A clear understanding of transit visa requirements, the length of time allowed and the options available can help you plan your trip with confidence. Whether you're in transit for a few hours or a day, this page will guide you through the necessary steps for a worry-free stopover in Saudi Arabia.
Transit visa for Saudi Arabia: in brief
- Visa exemption: Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to transit Saudi Arabia if they are staying for less than 12 hours and travelling on the same airline.
- E-Visa: Nationals of certain countries can obtain an e-Visa online for transit of up to 96 hours. This visa is free and allows you to visit the country during this period.
- Visa on arrival: Nationals of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival for a transit of up to 96 hours. This visa costs SAR30 and can be obtained at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the transit visa, you must have a valid passport, a return air ticket and sufficient funds for your stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Validity: The transit visa is valid for a single entry and for a maximum duration of 96 hours.
What are the transit rules in Saudi Arabia?
When planning a stopover in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to understand the transit rules that apply.
Transit refers to passing through an airport en route to your final destination, with a scheduled stopover in Saudi Arabia. During transit, you do not leave the airport's transit zone, and your stay in Saudi Arabia is limited to the airport.
The length of time allowed for transit in Saudi Arabia may vary depending on your flight and nationality. Generally, travellers in transit are allowed to stay at the airport for a certain number of hours, ranging from a few hours to a day.
There are two major types of transit visa in Saudi Arabia:
- Free transit visa : Certain travellers of specific nationalities may be eligible for free transit to Saudi Arabia. This means that they do not need a visa to stay at the airport during their stopover.
- Chargeable transit visa : For travellers not eligible for free transit, a paid transit visa may be required. This visa allows you to stay at the airport for the duration of your stopover.
Saudi Arabia transit visa requirements
For travellers transiting Saudi Arabia, it is essential to understand the transit visa requirements according to their nationality and itinerary. Here is a detailed overview of transit visa requirements:
- Nationalities exempt from transit visas: Depending on the airline and the route taken, certain passengers in transit through Saudi Arabia may be exempt from the transit visa requirement. This means that they can stay at the airport during their stopover without needing an additional visa. The nationalities eligible for this exemption may vary, so it is important to check whether your nationality is included.
- Conditions for obtaining a transit visa: If you do not benefit from the transit visa exemption, the Saudi authorities may require you to obtain a visa on arrival for your stopover in Saudi Arabia. The conditions and requirements for obtaining this visa may vary, but you should generally allow sufficient time before arrival to submit an application and provide funds for the visa fee.
When you are in transit in Saudi Arabia, you will need to ensure that you have the necessary documents on hand to avoid any problems at the airport. Documents required may include:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your transit stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Confirmed flight ticket: You will need to show proof of your connecting flight.
- Visa documents: If you are not exempt from a transit visa, make sure you have all the documents required for your visa application on arrival.
- Boarding pass: Keep your boarding pass for your connecting flight.
- Other documents: Depending on your situation, other documents such as hotel reservations or proof of financial means may be required.
What are the visa options for travellers in transit in Saudi Arabia?
When you are in transit in Saudi Arabia, there are several options available when it comes to transit visas. It is important to be aware of these options so that you can make the best decision for your situation:
- Free transit visa: Certain nationalities can benefit from free transit in Saudi Arabia. This means that you can stay at the airport during your stopover without needing to obtain a transit visa. This option is generally available to travellers in transit for a limited time, often from a few hours to a day. Eligible nationalities may vary depending on the airline and itinerary, so it is essential to check whether you qualify for this exemption.
- Paid transit visa: If you are not eligible for free transit to Saudi Arabia, you may need to obtain a paid transit visa. This visa allows you to stay at the airport for the duration of your stopover. The cost of this visa varies according to the length of stay and the nationality of the traveller. Be sure to check the latest information on fees and procedures for applying for a transit visa with the Saudi authorities or the airline.
What is the cost of the Saudi Arabia transit visa?
The price of the Saudi Arabia transit visa depends on your nationality and how you obtain the visa.
Here are the different options and their prices:
- Visa waiver: Free for nationals of certain countries who stay for less than 12 hours and travel on the same airline.
- E-Visa: Free for nationals of certain countries who obtain an e-Visa online for a transit of up to 96 hours.
- Visa on arrival: SAR 30 (around €8) for nationals of certain countries who obtain a visa on arrival for a transit of up to 96 hours.
The price of the electronic visa (e-Visa) for Saudi Arabia is SAR 395 (consular fee per traveller, excluding intermediary fees).
Additional information:
- You can obtain an e-Visa for a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, a family visit, an event or a pilgrimage.
- The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and is issued within 72 hours.
The procedure for applying for a transit visa for Saudi Arabia
If you need to obtain a paid transit visa for your stopover in Saudi Arabia, follow these steps for a successful application:
- Checking eligibility: Make sure you are eligible for a transit visa to Saudi Arabia based on your nationality and itinerary.
- Preparing your documents: Gather the required documents, including your valid passport, your confirmed flight ticket and other specific documents required by the Saudi authorities.
- Visa application: Submit your transit visa application online or to the immigration office at the Saudi airport, depending on the procedures in place.
- Payment of fees: Pay the transit visa fee, which may vary depending on the length of your stay and your nationality.
- Waiting for approval: Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, wait for your transit visa to be approved. This process can take some time, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance.
When and why should I obtain a transit visa for Saudi Arabia?
You must obtain a transit visa for Saudi Arabia if :
- Your nationality is not visa-exempt and you have a stopover of more than 12 hours in Saudi Arabia.
- You wish to leave the airport transit zone during your stopover.
- You are travelling with an airline other than that of your arrival flight.
Advice for travellers passing through Saudi Arabia
When in transit in Saudi Arabia, follow these recommendations to make your stopover as pleasant and stress-free as possible:
- Check visa requirements: Before you travel, make sure you understand whether you need a transit visa or whether you are exempt depending on your nationality and itinerary.
- Plan your itinerary: If you have an extended stopover, consider planning a short excursion to discover some of the local sites or sample Saudi cuisine.
- Keep your documents in order: Keep your travel documents, including your passport, plane ticket, boarding pass and, where applicable, your visa, in a safe and easily accessible place.
- Stay informed: Stay tuned to your airline and airport announcements for updates on your connecting flight.
Airports in Saudi Arabia are modern and well-equipped for travellers in transit. You can expect to find the following facilities:
- Rest and relaxation areas: Numerous comfortable rest areas for relaxing between flights.
- Restaurants and cafés: A variety of culinary choices to suit all tastes.
- Boutiques and duty-free shops: Shopping for souvenirs and luxury items.
- Airport lounges: Passengers in transit can access airport lounges offering premium services such as showers, work areas and snacks.
- Free Wi-Fi: Most Saudi airports offer free Wi-Fi for passengers.
- Exchange offices: To convert your money into local currency if necessary.
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