Saudi Arabia Transit Visa Guidelines

Can you transit in Saudi Arabia? — Yes, Saudi Arabia provides a transit visa for travelers who are just passing through, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 96 hours. This initiative is part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to increase tourism. But, how to get a transit visa in Saudi Arabia?

If you're interested in learning more about the Saudi Arabia transit visa policy, its guidelines, and how to apply, here's a quick overview.

Table of contents

• Saudi Arabia transit rules and requirements
• How to apply for Saudi Arabia transit visa online: step-by-step process
• Documents required for Saudi Arabia transit visa application
• Saudi Arabia visa photo specifications
• Get your Saudi visa photo online
• Saudi Arabia visa photo app
• Saudi Arabia transit visa fees
• Saudi Arabia transit visa duration

Saudi Arabia transit rules and requirements

Who needs a transit visa in Saudi Arabia? — The Saudi transit visa is available to travelers from all countries, as long as their layover lasts between 12 and 96 hours and they have a valid passport. With this visa, travelers can explore tourist attractions and even perform Umrah, but it does not cover the pilgrimage for Hajj.

You can get a free transit visa in Saudi Arabia if:

• You book your flights with Saudia Airlines or Flynas Airlines, which offer suitable connections;
• You apply through the official KSA visa website.

Do I need a visa for a layover in Saudi Arabia if I am from the GCC? — No, citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar — are not required to apply for a Saudi visa.

How to apply for Saudi Arabia transit visa online: step-by-step process

There are two main options to apply:

Option 1: Electronic Transit visa via Saudia or Flynas

1. Book your flight with either Saudia or Flynas.
2. Complete the visa application during the booking process.
3. Upload a recent passport-size photo.
4. Enter a valid email address for receiving updates.
5. Pay the necessary administrative and medical insurance fees (the visa itself costs nothing).
6. Your approved visa will be sent to your email.

Option 2: Standard application for a Transit visa

1. Visit the KSA Visa website.
2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
3. Select 'Add A New Application'.
4. Accept the terms for online payments.
5. Complete the form, pay any applicable fees, and submit your application.
6. Once approved, you will get your transit visa via email.

Documents required for Saudi Arabia transit visa application

If you're planning to apply for a Saudi Arabia transit stopover visa, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• A passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Compulsory travel insurance to cover your transit through Saudi Arabia.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Confirmed travel plans, including accommodation details and tickets for your connecting flight.

Saudi Arabia visa photo specifications

Ensure your photo for a Saudi visa application meets these standards:

• Use a color photo taken within the last six months.
• The photo size should be 4x6 cm.
• The digital photo needs to be square, specifically 200x200 pixels in size. The file size should be between 5 KB and 100 KB.
• Your head should take up 70-80% of the photo’s height.
• The background should be plain white.
• There should be no shadows on your face or behind your head.
• Maintain a neutral expression and look straight at the camera.
• Red eye in photos is not acceptable.
• Glasses can be worn, but the frame shouldn’t block any part of the eyes, with no glare on lenses, and dark glasses are not allowed.
• Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, but your full face must be visible. No other headgear is permitted.

Here is a photo example:

Get your Saudi visa photo online

Streamline your visa application by getting your photo professionally edited to meet the requirements. Use our online tool, Visafoto, to make this easy.

Visafoto specializes in adjusting photos for passports, visas, and other documents globally. Simply take a picture of yourself with good lighting, preferably daylight, using any background. Visafoto will handle all technical details, including adjusting the background, size, and proportions.

Example of the photo you can use:

You'll receive a digital version for online use that meets all the requirements. If you're unhappy with the result, we offer a free replacement, and if the photo is rejected, a full refund.

Saudi Arabia visa photo app

For an even more convenient process, try the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app helps you create ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your smartphone. It's available for both iPhone and Android users.

With 7ID, simply upload your photo, select the type of document and country, and the app will automatically adjust your photo to official specifications, including size, format, and background color, ensuring the focus and alignment are perfect. You’ll receive a digital file and a print template suitable for standard paper sizes like 4x6, A4, A5, or B5.

Our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions you might have.

Saudi Arabia transit visa fees

How much is the transit visa fee, Saudi Arabia? — The Saudi air transit visa fee is waived for travelers who qualify under certain conditions, including having flights booked with Saudia or Flynas. However, you'll need to pay for medical insurance, with costs varying based on your nationality and your chosen insurance provider.

When applying through Saudia or Flynas, the total comes to SAR 94 (approximately USD 25), while a standard Saudi transit visa cost is about SAR 100 (around USD 27), which includes taxes and insurance fees. Keep in mind these fees are non-refundable.

The administrative and insurance charges are applicable for both the standard and airline-specific transit visa options.

Saudi Arabia transit visa duration

The Saudi Arabia transit visa permits visitors to remain in the country for a maximum of 96 hours (or 4 days) from the time of entry. The visa is valid for three months from the issue date and allows multiple entries during that time frame.

According to the Saudi Arabia transit requirements, this visa cannot be extended beyond the 96-hour limit. If you stay longer than your visa allows, you'll incur a fine of SAR 100 (about USD 27) for each day you overstay, payable at the airport.