The Indian Embassy in Kuwait continues to list its advisory discontinuing Saudi transit-visa facilitation under the previous arrangement until further notice. No official resumption notice was found in the sources reviewed.
Kuwait International Airport is handling direct international flights. A Saudi visa is not required merely to depart Kuwait on a direct flight to India.
Here’s what happened, why it matters and what you can do about it.
What Did the Embassy Announce?
The embassy issued an advisory on 15 April 2026 discontinuing its facilitation service for Saudi transit visas.
It will not accept or process any further transit visa requests until further notice.
Indian nationals intending to travel via Saudi Arabia have been told to contact their airlines directly for updated immigration requirements, transit procedures, and visa formalities.
The advisory cites the Hajj season as its reason, but does not give an automatic expiry date for the suspension.
Your Options to Get Saudi Transit Visa Without the Embassy
A Saudi visa is relevant only if your journey requires Saudi entry. The former airline emergency-transfer schemes should not be assumed to remain available.
Through Kuwait Airways’ Booking System
Kuwait Airways has offered a Saudi transit visa facilitation service, but its current availability for a new overland itinerary could not be verified. Do not treat it as a required step for direct Kuwait departures.
Flying with Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways confirms flights from Kuwait Terminal 5, including direct service to Kochi. The former AQI/DMM bus-transfer visa arrangement, the visit-visa thresholds and visa-on-arrival eligibility could not be verified as current. A direct Kuwait–India flight does not require Saudi entry.
Apply Directly Through Saudi Arabia’s Online Portals
The KSA Visa portal lists separate land-transit and air-transit categories. Apply for the category appropriate to your actual journey; an airport stopover visa should not be assumed to permit entry overland from Kuwait.
Current fees and processing time depend on the application. No official basis was found for a general under-four-hour approval or USD 25–45 all-inclusive price.
Your Current Flight Options From Kuwait to India
Direct flights from Kuwait to India are available; travel via Dammam is not compulsory.
Kuwait Airways India Routes
A Wego availability search on 7 September returned nonstop Kuwait Airways flights from Kuwait to Delhi on 9 September 2026: KU381 departs at 18:35 and arrives at 01:30 on 10 September; KU383 departs at 23:00 and arrives at 05:55 on 10 September. All times are local. These are flights offered in the search, not confirmation of completed operations.
Jazeera Airways India Routes
Jazeera Airways confirms direct Kuwait–Kochi service. The same Wego search returned nonstop Kuwait–Delhi flight J9409 on 9 September 2026, departing at 23:40 and arriving at 06:55 on 10 September, local times. These are flights offered in the search; availability can change before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still fly from Kuwait to India right now?
Yes. Jazeera confirms direct Kuwait–Kochi service, and the 9 September availability search returned nonstop Kuwait–Delhi flights on both Kuwait Airways and Jazeera. Travel through Saudi Arabia is not compulsory.
Do I need a Saudi transit visa if I’m just passing through Dammam airport?
If you enter Saudi Arabia by road from Kuwait, you need permission for Saudi entry. A connection that remains airside at Dammam is a different case and depends on your documents and itinerary.
How much does a Saudi transit visa cost for Indians?
No single current all-inclusive price was verified. Fees depend on the Saudi visa category and any insurance or service charges; an airline stopover visa is not the same as permission to enter by road.
Is the embassy suspension permanent?
The advisory says “until further notice.” Although it cites Hajj, it does not say the service automatically resumes after Hajj. No official resumption notice was found.
What if I hold a valid US, UK, or EU visa, do I still need a Saudi transit visa?
Holders of certain US, UK or Schengen visas or residence permits may qualify for a Saudi tourist visa under specific conditions. This is not automatic Saudi transit permission; use the Saudi MOFA portal to establish the applicable category.
Sources
- Embassy of India, Kuwait — Saudi Transit Visa Advisory
- Arab Times — Indian Embassy in Kuwait Suspends Saudi Transit Visa Facilitation
- Wego Travel Blog — Saudi Transit Visa Through Kuwait Airways
- Visit Saudi — Stopover Transit Visa
- Saudia — Transit Visa Guide and Eligibility
- flynas — Stopover Visa
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs — eServices Portal
- Zawya — Kuwait Airways Resumes Four India Destinations via Dammam
- Jazeera Airways — Direct Kuwait–Kochi Flights
- Khaleej Times — Saudi Arabia Hajj 2026 Season Rules and Makkah Entry Restrictions
- Gulf News — Saudi Arabia Launches E-Permits for Mecca Entry Ahead of Hajj 2026
- Gulf News — Kuwait Home to Over 1 Million Indians — 20% of Population
- Embassy of India, Kuwait — Official Website
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
