Are you planning a long layover in the Kingdom? Whether you are flying through for business or looking to perform a quick Umrah, the transit visa Saudi Arabia process has undergone major upgrades for 2026. This guide provides everything travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, and beyond need to know about transiting through Saudi Arabia safely and legally.
2026 Saudi Transit Visa: Quick Summary
Visa Name: Saudi Stopover/Transit Visa.
Max Duration: 96 Hours (4 Days).
Processing Time: Instant to 4 Hours.
Average Cost: $25 – $45 (Includes Mandatory Health Insurance).
Umrah Allowed: Yes, with registration.
Best For: USA, UK, Canada passport holders and Residents.
What is a Saudi Transit Visa?
A Saudi visa transit (officially known as the Stopover Visa) allows travelers to enter the Kingdom for a short period. In 2026, this visa is valid for up to 96 hours, enabling you to leave the airport, stay in a hotel, and even explore cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, or Dammam.
If you are planning to extend your stay specifically for pilgrimage, you might want to compare this with a standard Saudi Umrah Visa to see which fits your itinerary better.
Key Features of the 2026 Transit Visa:
Stay Duration: Up to 96 Hours (4 Days).
Visa Validity: 90 Days from the date of issuance.
Entry Type: Single Entry.
Activities Allowed: Tourism, Business, and Umrah (requires Nusuk registration).
Saudi Transit Visa Requirements (2026 Update)
To apply for transit visa Saudi Arabia, you must meet specific criteria. The saudi arabia transit requirements are now fully digitalized under the Vision 2030 initiative.
Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel date.
Confirmed Onward Ticket: You must show a flight to a third destination (e.g., London to Jeddah to Mumbai).
Medical Insurance: Mandatory health insurance is now automatically calculated during the application process.
Recent Photo: A digital passport-sized photograph with a white background.
Saudi Arabia Transit Visa Fee & Cost 2026
The saudi transit visa fee is divided into the visa issuance and the mandatory insurance. While the visa itself is often part of an airline promotion with Saudia or Flynas, administrative saudi transit visa charges still apply.
Estimated Cost Breakdown (USD, GBP, CAD)
| Fee Component | Cost in USD | Cost in GBP | Cost in CAD |
| Visa Application Fee | $10.50 | £8.50 | $14.50 |
| Medical Insurance | $15 – $25 | £12 – £20 | $21 – $35 |
| Total Estimated Cost | **~$35.50** | ~£28.50 | ~$49.50 |
For more detailed pricing on other visa types, visit our Saudi Visa Fees guide.
How to Apply for Saudi Transit Visa Online
The most efficient way to secure your entry is through the e transit visa saudi arabia portal. Follow these steps for a guaranteed approval:
Book with a National Carrier: When you book with Saudia Airlines or Flynas, the saudi airlines transit visa is integrated into your ticket purchase.
Use the MOFA Portal: If you are flying with carriers like Emirates or British Airways, visit the official Saudi MOFA e-visa portal.
Complete the Form: Enter your passport data and layover details.
Pay via Credit Card: Pay the saudi arabia transit visa fees online.
Receive Your Visa: The saudi transit e visa is usually emailed within 4 hours.
The 2026 Digital Process: Enjaz & Nusuk
To complete your Saudi Arabia transit visa application successfully in 2026, you must navigate the Enjaz Saudi transit visa portal.
Medical Insurance: You no longer need to find your own. The system automatically selects a provider (like Bupa or Tawuniya) based on current 2026 health protocols.
Digital Wallet: Once your Saudi transit e visa is approved, you can now add it to your Apple or Google Wallet for contactless verification at Jeddah airport transit gates.
Transiting in Specific Airports: Jeddah & Riyadh
Many travelers from the West ask: “Does a transit in jeddah need visa?” * Under 12 Hours: If you stay inside the airport (Airside), no visa is required.
Over 12 Hours or Exiting Terminal: You must have a jeddah transit visa or a jeddah layover visa.
For those landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport, ensure you review the specific Jeddah Airport Transit Rules to avoid issues at immigration.
Special Rules for Land and Sea Transit
Saudi Road Transit Visa (For GCC Travelers)
If you are traveling from neighboring countries like Qatar, UAE, or Bahrain, the saudi road transit visa allows you to cross the borders (Salwa or Batha) legally. Ensure your vehicle insurance is valid for the Kingdom before reaching the border.
E-Visa Transit by Sea (96 hrs)
For 2026 cruise passengers, the e visa transit by sea 96hrs Saudi Arabia is a specific category. This is essential for travelers docking at Jeddah Islamic Port or Yanbu who wish to explore the mainland for up to 4 days.
Key Takeaways for Your 2026 Trip
1. The “Used Visa” Rule for Expats
If you are an Indian citizen living in the USA, UK, or Canada, you can get a saudi transit visa on arrival or an instant e-visa, provided your US, UK, or Schengen visa is still valid AND has an entry stamp from the issuing country.
Pro Tip: In 2026, digital stamps are now widely accepted, but having a physical stamp from your last trip to London or New York still speeds up the process at Jeddah airport transit counters.
2. Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for UK Citizens
Unique to 2026, UK citizens have an additional “Electronic Visa Waiver” option. This allows for a single entry of up to 6 months. While a standard e-visa is multiple-entry for a year, the EVW is often cheaper and faster for those making one long visit.
3. Stopover Visa via National Carriers
If you book your flight through Saudia Airlines or Flynas, your saudi airlines transit visa is essentially “integrated.” You apply during the flight booking, pay the small insurance fee, and receive the visa with your ticket.
Cost Check: The visa itself is $0, but expect to pay ~$10.50 for the application fee and ~$15-$25 for the 2026 mandatory medical insurance.
4. Umrah during Transit
All the above visa types—including the saudi arabia layover visa—permit you to perform Umrah. However, in 2026, the Nusuk App remains mandatory for booking your “Rawdah” and “Umrah” slots. We recommend booking these at least 48 hours before you land in Jeddah.
Essential Saudi Arabia Transit Visa FAQs for 2026
Can I get a Saudi Arabia transit visa on arrival?
Yes, citizens of the USA, UK, and Canada, or those holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa, can obtain a saudi transit visa on arrival. However, applying for the saudi transit visa online in advance is faster and cheaper.
How long can I stay with a 72 hour transit visa saudi airlines offer?
In 2026, the old 72 hour transit visa saudi airlines has been officially upgraded to a 96-hour stay.
What are the saudi arabia transit visa requirements for Indian citizens?
A saudi transit visa for indian citizens is easily obtained if they hold a valid residence or tourist visa from the US, UK, or EU. Without these, they must apply for a standard saudi transit visa application.
How much is the saudi transit visa cost for US citizens?
The total saudi arabia transit visa cost typically totals $35-$45 USD, including the mandatory medical insurance.
Is the saudi airlines visa transit free?
The visa issuance is free, but you must pay for insurance and the saudi transit visa charges (admin fees).
Can I perform Umrah on a transit visa?
Yes. All holders of a saudi arabia layover visa are permitted to perform Umrah. You must, however, book your slot through the Nusuk Platform.
Do I need a transit visa for a 5-hour layover in Riyadh?
No. According to saudi airport transit rules, if you don’t exit the transit zone and your layover is under 12 hours, a visa is not required.
Can I apply for a saudi road transit visa?
Yes, travelers coming from the UAE or Qatar can apply for a saudi road transit visa if they are driving through the Kingdom.
What is the saudi transit visa price for Canadians?
The saudi transit visa price for Canadians is roughly $50 CAD including all fees.
How do I track my saudi arabia transit visa application?
You can track it using your passport number on the Enjaz Saudi transit visa portal.
Is there a transit visa at Jeddah airport for Indian citizens?
Yes, the jeddah transit visa for indian citizens is available if you are flying with Saudia or Flynas.
Can I use the e visa transit by sea 96hrs saudi arabia?
Yes, this specific e visa transit by sea saudi arabia is designed for cruise ship passengers docking at Saudi ports.
What happens if I overstay my 96 hours?
Violating saudi arabia transit rules by overstaying will lead to a fine of 100 SAR per day and potential future travel bans.
Do I need a saudi embassy transit visa?
No, most travelers from Tier-1 countries should use the saudi transit e visa system as it is much faster than the embassy route.
Is insurance included in the saudi transit visa fee?
The insurance is an additional mandatory cost added to the base transit visa fee saudi arabia.