Making Stopovers In Saudi Arabia All-the-more Exciting

Saudi hospitality is renowned around the world & it is no surprise everyone feels that warm welcome when they are in the Kingdom. And now they have one more reason for you to visit and experience its magnanimity. The newly introduced ‘Stop-over’ visa adds a fun element to your stopover journeys, as Saudi tourism now offers easy access into the largest country of the Arab World. The travelers of Saudi Arabian Airlines or Flynas who have a layover in the country can avail this visa for free. 

What’s more exciting is that the Stopover Visa is open to all vacation, religious, and business travelers. It welcomes visitors to stopover for up to 96 hours and the validity of the visa is three months. The visa is offered at no additional cost that will be issued instantly along with the flight ticket with some more offerings.

The Wow Aspect of Saudi Stopover Visa

• Quick Visa Approvals (visa in three minutes)
• One night of complimentary accommodation per stopover per passenger offered by Saudia Airlines (Subject to availability)
• Access to activities, entertainment, F&B, and accommodation by Saudi Tourism 
• Multiple itineraries that inspire you
• Travelers will be allowed to use the Stopover Visa to undertake the Umrah. However, travelers who are interested in performing Umrah must book their flights through SAUDIA and Flynas using the Nusuk platform.

The Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas electronic platforms are now able to accept applications for transit visas. The applications of travelers will be automatically forwarded to the Unified National Visa Platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry will then process, issue, and send visas to the beneficiary through email. 

Requisites for Transit Visa 

GCC nationals and those traveling from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are exempt from visa requirements and do not need to apply for a Saudi transit visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia. 

Other passengers should apply for a Saudi transit visa through their airline, travel company, or a reputable visa agent in their own country. 

Documentation for Transit Visas 

The following documentation is required in order to apply for a Saudi transit visa: 

• A valid passport of six months
• A passport-sized colored photo
• A duly filled-out and signed Saudi visa application 
• A signed statement by the traveler attesting to the obedience to Saudi law
• A ticket booking confirmation of the stay
• A filed printed visa application using the Enjaz e-portal

How to double the Stopover Fun With World-class Destinations?

Saudi Arabia is more than what meets the eye. Exploring one of the cities or attending one of the national festivals will give the stopover travelers all the gist of how fascinating the country is. Chalking out the itinerary in advance can save time, effort, and money to a great extent. Here are some things to do for stopover passengers: 

• Riyadh Season

Riyadh Season is a cultural and entertainment event held annually in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. The event features a variety of activities, including concerts, shows, festivals, exhibitions, and competitions. The aim of Riyadh Season is to provide a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talents and to promote tourism and economic growth in the country. It is also an opportunity for stopover travelers to truly experience the rich culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

• Diriyah Season

Diriyah Season is a cultural and sports event that takes place annually in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. It features a variety of activities, including concerts, festivals, and sports competitions. This event can showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. Some thrilling activities during the Diriyah Season include camel racing, horse shows, and traditional folk dances. So a short stopover fun can be doubled by participating in these true-to-Saudi activities. 

• Al Ula

Al Ula is a city in northwest Saudi Arabia known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. The area is home to many historic sites and monuments, including the ancient city of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Al Ula is also known for its unique rock formations, tombs, and inscriptions. It is desert-laden and has scenic green beauty like the lush wadis, geological features, and diverse flora and fauna. In recent years, the city has been undergoing major development as part of the country’s broader efforts to promote tourism and economic growth.

• Umrah

Umrah is a religious expedition to Mecca that can be performed at any time or date of the year by people following Islam who are physically and financially able. Unlike the Hajj, which is performed on specific dates, Umrah does not have a specific date and can be performed at any time. The Transit visa enables passengers who intend to enter Saudi Arabia to travel throughout the Kingdom, conduct Umrah, and pay a visit to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Umrah is considered a highly recommended act of worship in Islam and is a means of seeking forgiveness and a closer connection to Allah.

So travelers should plan a stopover to break up a long flight and enter a country that has so much to offer. They get to explore a new destination and experience its culture, food, and attractions without worrying about visa approvals. Moreover, this stopover can save money on airfare, where travelers have to book a multi-destination trip instead of two separate flights. 

Saudi Arabia is a place of great interest and can double the fun in a short amount of time. Hence, this stopover can enhance the travel experience and provide an opportunity to make the most out of a trip at a low cost.