Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline, has introduced an enticing offer for international passengers transiting through the country. In a limited-time promotion, travelers can secure a stopover visa while arranging their flight bookings, granting them permission to discover the nation for leisure, business, or spiritual endeavors. This visa, valid for a 96-hour period, is a collaborative effort with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Travelers can seize this chance to delve into Saudi Arabia’s profound cultural heritage. They may engage in Umrah, visit revered sites like the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, or explore the deserts of AlUla and Jeddah’s historical center, both recognized by UNESCO.
Saudia’s initiative is an ideal way for visitors to optimize their transit time by immersing in Saudi Arabia’s diverse culture, history, and scenic landscapes.
The process for obtaining a stopover visa is streamlined, allowing passengers to pay for the visa alongside their flight tickets in a single transaction. Targeting visitors lacking other valid Saudi entry documents, the visa remains valid for 90 days post-issuance.
During the booking phase, travelers must complete a form and submit personal photos via email. Once processed, they receive their visa, which they must print prior to their arrival.
This visa program is a strategic piece of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism goals under Vision 2030, which aspires to transform the kingdom into a premier travel destination and host 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
With the stopover visa, visitors can partake in events like Eid-al-Fitr celebrations and the heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, among other prominent sporting occasions.
Arved Muhlen, Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed pride in the visa initiative, highlighting its digital efficiency and the warm hospitality synonymous with Saudia.
Benefiting from Saudia’s extensive domestic and international networks, travelers can easily explore numerous destinations from their main hub in Jeddah. The airline’s reach includes over 90 international locations across key regions.
Saudia’s U.S. service comprises nonstop flights from Saudi Arabia to major airports, utilizing a fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Additionally, the airline offers connections to several U.S. cities through partnerships with Delta, American, and JetBlue.