Saudi Stopover (Transit) Visa for Umrah: 96-Hour Rules, Eligibility & How to Apply

What the stopover visa is

Launched in 2023, the stopover visa is an electronic visa linked to a flight ticket on Saudi Arabia's national carriers. It allows an entry into the Kingdom during a connection, rather than staying airside.

• Maximum stay: up to 96 hours (4 days) per entry
• Airlines: Saudia or flynas, booked as a through ticket via Saudi Arabia
• Visa fee: announced as free; a mandatory medical insurance charge may apply
• Validity: commonly stated as 90 days from issue, single entry (verify at booking)
• Purpose: tourism, visiting family, attending events and performing Umrah

Can I perform Umrah on a stopover visa?

Yes — performing Umrah and visiting Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah are permitted on the stopover visa, subject to Nusuk permit availability. Hajj is not permitted on this visa under any circumstances, and stopover entry may be restricted around the Hajj season.

Because you only have 96 hours, plan carefully. Jeddah to Makkah is about 1–1.5 hours by road or by Haramain train; adding Madinah is possible but tight.

Who is eligible

• Nationalities accepted by the Saudi stopover programme (Indian passport eligibility should be checked at booking)
• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival
• Confirmed onward ticket on Saudia or flynas transiting Saudi Arabia
• Not travelling to Saudi Arabia as a final destination

How to apply, step by step

1. 01Book a through ticketBook on saudia.com or flynas.com with a connection in Jeddah or Riyadh, choosing a stopover of up to 96 hours.
2. 02Tick the stopover visa optionDuring or after booking, select the stopover visa. You are redirected to the official Saudi visa platform to submit passport details and a photo.
3. 03Receive the e-visaThe visa is typically issued electronically, often within minutes to a few days. Print a copy and keep it on your phone.
4. 04Book your Nusuk Umrah permitOnce the visa is issued, book an Umrah permit (and Rawdah slot if visiting Madinah) in the Nusuk app for dates inside your stay.
5. 05Book accommodation and transportReserve a hotel near the Haram and plan transfers — with only 96 hours, prebooked transport matters.
6. 06Enter in ihram if heading straight to MakkahMen should be in ihram before crossing the miqat; on flights into Jeddah the miqat is passed in the air, so prepare before boarding or follow your scholar's guidance.

A sample 96-hour Umrah plan

• Day 1: land in Jeddah, travel to Makkah, rest, perform Umrah
• Day 2: prayers in Masjid al-Haram, optional second rest day
• Day 3: Haramain train to Madinah, visit Masjid an-Nabawi (Rawdah if permitted)
• Day 4: return to Jeddah or travel to Madinah airport for your onward flight

Stopover visa vs a full Umrah visa

The stopover visa is ideal for a short, single Umrah on the way somewhere else. For a dedicated pilgrimage, families with elderly parents, or anyone wanting more time in Makkah and Madinah, a regular Umrah or tourist e-visa with 15–90 days is far more comfortable and avoids the risk of missing your onward flight.

• Choose stopover: solo or couple, fit, short time, already flying Saudia/flynas
• Choose full Umrah visa: families, seniors, groups, Ramadan 2027 trips, longer stays

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overstaying 96 hours — fines and future visa problems can follow
• Booking another airline's ticket and expecting the stopover visa
• Not booking a Nusuk permit before arriving at the Haram
• Assuming the stopover can be used during the Hajj period
• Tight connections on the return leg with no buffer