Who Requires a Saudi Transit Visa?
Anyone passing through or wishing to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours must apply for a Saudi transit visa.
This does not include nationalities eligible for visa-free entry to the KSA, or holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas who may qualify for an e-visa or visa on arrival.
The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, with a maximum stay of 96 hours per entry. It is a single-entry visa.
If your layover at a Saudi airport is under 12 hours and you do not leave the transit zone, a transit visa is not required.
Transit Visa for Umrah
The Saudi transit visa also allows visitors to perform Umrah, the voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah, as well as visit holy sites, tourist attractions, and explore UNESCO heritage sites.
To perform Umrah, you must register separately through the Nusuk platform.
How Do You Apply for a Saudi Transit Visa?
As of June 2026, travelers can obtain the Saudi transit visa through one of these routes.
Booking a Connecting Flight With Saudia or flynas
When you book a connecting flight with Saudia or flynas, the transit visa is integrated into the airline booking process.
Saudia
To apply for a Saudi transit visa through Saudia:
- Visit the official Saudia transit visa portal
- Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and preferred travel class
- Choose your stopover city and the duration (up to 96 hours), and select your flight
- Apply for the stopover visa through the “Seats and Extras” section
- After paying for both your ticket and the stopover visa, you will receive an email with your issued visa and insurance details
flynas
To apply for a Saudi transit visa through flynas:
- Visit the official flynas stopover visa portal
- Select your departure and arrival points
- Choose flights with a layover of up to 96 hours
- The application is automatically forwarded to the unified national visa platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Complete the application and payment on the platform
- You will receive an email with the stopover visa and insurance details
Booking With Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways (via Dammam)
During the closure of Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways routed flights through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which meant passengers needed a valid Saudi visa.
As of mid-June 2026, both carriers have resumed flights from Kuwait — Kuwait Airways from Terminal 4 and Jazeera Airways from Terminal 5 — though some routes still operate via Dammam while the airport rebuilds capacity.
If your itinerary still routes through Dammam, you need a valid Saudi visa to cross the border (GCC nationals are exempt). Kuwait Airways offers a transit visa facilitation service built into its booking platforms.
To apply through Kuwait Airways, you will need:
- A personal photo with a white background
- Your Civil ID (for Kuwait residents)
- A copy of your passport
In-person help is available through Kuwait Airways sales offices, the call center on 171, or WhatsApp at +965-1802050.
Jazeera Airways arranges a Saudi transit visa for passengers using its Kuwait-to-Dammam bus transfer. Passengers driving themselves on the same route must arrange a valid Saudi visa independently.
Applying Through the Unified National Visa Platform
The Saudi MOFA e-visa portal accepts online applications, and the process typically takes under four hours.
You will need:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity)
- A confirmed onward flight booking through a Saudi airport
- A credit card for fees (approximately USD 25–45, including mandatory health insurance)
Saudi Transit Visa Fees
The Saudi transit visa itself is issued free of charge. Administrative and mandatory medical insurance fees apply.
As of June 2026, the total cost typically ranges from SAR 95–170 (approximately USD 25–45), depending on your insurance provider and itinerary. Check the official portal for the latest pricing.
The insurance is automatically selected by the system during the application process, so you do not need to arrange your own. Providers such as Tawuniya or MedGulf are commonly assigned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Saudi visa if I’m flying Kuwait Airways?
Only if your route still operates via Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Kuwait Airways resumed flights from Kuwait in June 2026, but some routes still transit Dammam while the airport rebuilds capacity. On those flights you need a valid Saudi visa (GCC nationals are exempt). The airline offers a facilitation service, or you can call 171 or use WhatsApp at +965-1802050.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi transit visa?
Yes. The Saudi transit visa permits Umrah, but you must register separately through the Nusuk platform. Book your Umrah slot at least 48 hours before you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
How much does the Saudi transit visa cost?
The visa itself is free. You will pay administrative and mandatory medical insurance fees totaling approximately SAR 95–170 (USD 25–45). The insurance is automatically assigned during the application process.
Do I need a transit visa for a short layover under 12 hours?
No. If your layover is under 12 hours and you do not leave the airport transit zone, a visa is not required at Dammam (DMM), Jeddah (JED), or Riyadh (RUH) international airports.
Which airlines can I use to get the Saudi transit visa?
As of June 2026, you can apply for the Saudi transit visa through Saudia, flynas, or Kuwait Airways. You can also apply directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unified national visa platform.
Can I explore Saudi Arabia during my transit?
Yes. The 96-hour stopover visa allows you to leave the airport and explore cities, visit tourist attractions, and access UNESCO heritage sites across Saudi Arabia.
Sources
- Visit Saudi — Stopover Transit Visa
- Saudia — Transit Visa Guide and Eligibility
- flynas — Stopover Visa
- Nusuk — Official Saudi Umrah Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Unified National Visa Platform
- Times Kuwait — Kuwait Airways Launches Transit Visa Service to Saudi Arabia
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.
