Saudi Arabia Travel & Tourism Launch of “Stopover Visa” for Travelers

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and other relevant authorities, recently announced the launch of a new electronic service that will allow passengers stopping over in the Kingdom to obtain an entry “stopover” visa. The visa will be valid for 96 hours and is free of charge to passengers traveling to their final destination through any airport in Saudi Arabia on either “Saudia” or “Flynas” airlines. Stopover visa holders will also be eligible for a complimentary one-night hotel stay during the stopover when booking through “Saudia” airlines.

The launch comes as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote its tourism industry, in line with its strategic Vision 2030 economic diversification program. The country aims to have 100 million annual visitors by 2030. 

U.S. visitors may apply for the visa through the “Saudia” (https://www.saudia.com/)  or “Flynas” (https://www.flynas.com/en) airlines booking platforms up to 90 days in advance of travel. The application can be completed in less than 3 minutes. Inquiries or requests for more information may be sent to Tareq.Ghazal@trade.gov.