Here’s some good news for UAE travellers and fellow Gulf residents jetting across the globe. Saudi Arabia has just made religious stopovers way simpler. With Saudia and flynas’s new free stopover visa, transit passengers can now perform Umrah or visit Makkah and Madinah during their layover, no extra permits or extra hassle.
New Saudi Stopover Visa Lets You Perform Umrah During Layovers
This hassle-free visa is only for travellers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas, so if you’ve got a stopover with either of them, you’re all set. The visa allows you 96 hours (four days) in Saudi Arabia and validity of 90 days from when it’s issued. What better way to seek a spiritual trip than this minus the hassle of documents?
What’s The Catch For This Umrah Visa?
Well, the visa itself is free, but there’s a small processing fee of SAR 39.50 (around AED 38.68), and you’ll need to purchase mandatory medical insurance starting at SAR 13 (that’s roughly AED 12.73). Pretty reasonable, considering the convenience. The cool part? The visa is generated automatically when you book your flight on the Saudia or Flynas websites, no long forms or embassy runs.
Who’s Eligible?
To take advantage of this stopover visa, you must:
1. Book your flight with Saudia Airlines or Flynas
2. Passport with validity of atleast six months
3. Valid visa or residency proof of the destination
4. Upload a passport-style photo as per Saudi visa rules
It’s a single-entry, non-extendable visa, so it’s perfect for short, planned stopovers. Just a heads-up, this offer isn’t available if you’re flying with other airlines.
Also Read: Cabin Manager Passes Away On London-Bound Saudia Flight; Here’s What Happened
How To Apply
- Hop onto the Saudia or Flynas website
- Select a flight with a Saudi stopover
- Enter your travel details and personal information
- Choose the stopover visa option
- Upload your documents and make the payment
- You’ll get your visa and insurance details by email
Before you pack your bags, make sure to book your Umrah or Ziyarah slot through the official Nusuk.sa platform. This is a must for anyone planning to visit the holy sites. This stopover visa makes it all possible, easy, affordable, and perfectly timed for your next trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Zurijeta, Saudia/Website
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