Is there a Saudi transit visa?

Saudi Arabia has offered short transit options on some airline itineraries. We do not assist with transit visas — we only help British passport holders with the electronic visa waiver for Umrah and permitted entry.

Can I perform Umrah with the Saudi electronic visa waiver?

Yes, when Saudi Arabia issues you a valid waiver and you follow their rules — including Umrah outside the official Hajj season unless you hold the correct Hajj permit. After approval you book Umrah and Rawdah permits in the Nusuk app. The waiver is not a Hajj visa and is not for work in Saudi Arabia.

Can I perform Hajj on the Saudi eVisa Waiver?

No. Hajj needs an official Hajj visa or permit through your country’s quota. The electronic visa waiver is for Umrah outside Hajj season (when rules allow), tourism, business, medical treatment, and study — not Hajj and not employment in Saudi Arabia.

How long does my passport need to be valid?

Usually at least six months from entry into Saudi Arabia, with two blank pages. Damaged or emergency documents may be refused.

What are the photo requirements for the Saudi eVisa Waiver?

A recent passport-style colour photo (last six months), plain white background, face the camera, neutral expression, head and shoulders only. No glasses unless medically required; religious covering is allowed if the face is fully visible. We check quality before submit.

Do I need the Nusuk app for Umrah?

Yes. After your entry authorisation is approved, Nusuk is the official Saudi app to book Umrah and Rawdah permits. Our Nusuk guide walks British passport holders through setup.

Do children need their own Saudi eVisa Waiver?

Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own authorisation. Each child needs their own application, photo, and British passport scan. The same official fee and assistance pricing apply per person; insurance is not included in either.

Is the Saudi eVisa Waiver multiple entry?

The electronic visa waiver is normally single entry: one arrival in Saudi Arabia within the validity printed on your PDF, with a permitted stay of up to six months depending on what you are issued. It is not the same as the Saudi tourist eVisa, which can follow different entry rules. Always read your approval letter.

How much does the Saudi eVisa Waiver cost for British passport holders?

The official Saudi electronic visa waiver fee is usually about £30–£35 (often around £33) per person when you pay the authorities directly — it does not include travel or medical insurance for your trip. Our assistance is £49 Standard or £65 Priority per person on top of that official fee and also does not include insurance. We show pounds totals at checkout before you pay.

What happens if my waiver application is refused?

Refusals are possible; Saudi authorities decide and may not publish a reason. Common issues include passport validity under six months, poor scans, or eligibility not matching the waiver. Our assistance fee is non-refundable if the authorities refuse after submission, but we review documents first to reduce risk.

Saudi Transit Visa — 96-Hour Stopover (Informational)

Saudi Transit Visa: The Free 96-Hour Stopover Visa Explained

Flying through Saudi Arabia on Saudia or flynas? The 96-hour transit visa lets you leave the airport, see the country, and even perform Umrah at no extra visa cost.

Last reviewed: 11 May 2026 · Written by the Saudi eVisa Waiver team. British passport holders only — independent waiver assistance, not affiliated with the Saudi government.

Who can use the Saudi transit visa?

Any traveller booking a multi-leg flight through Saudi Arabia on Saudia or flynas with an onward ticket to a third country.
Passport must be valid 6+ months from your arrival date.
Layover must be long enough to leave the airport — usually 6+ hours for it to be worth it.

How to get a Saudi transit visa from the UK

Book a flight from the UK to a third country (e.g. Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia) with a Saudi stopover on Saudia or flynas.
During booking, opt-in to the free transit visa when prompted.
Receive your transit visa by email, usually within minutes to a few hours.
Travel — show the visa email or QR code on arrival.

Performing Umrah on the transit visa

You can perform Umrah on the 96-hour transit visa. After landing, head straight to Makkah, complete Umrah, optionally visit Madinah, and return for your onward flight.

Plan tightly — Jeddah to Makkah is around 90 minutes, Madinah another 4–5 hours by road.
Book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app — see our Nusuk guide.
Hajj is not permitted on the transit visa.

Limits of the transit visa

Only valid for connections on Saudia or flynas — not other carriers.
You must have an onward ticket out of Saudi Arabia.
It is single-entry — you cannot leave and re-enter on the same visa.
Hajj is not allowed; Umrah is fine.
The visa expires exactly 96 hours from arrival; overstaying triggers fines.

Transit visa vs longer UK Umrah trips

Need	Typical route
Quick Umrah on the way somewhere else	Transit visa (free) — we do not assist with this product.
Long Umrah trip with extended stay (British passport holders)	Saudi electronic visa waiver — our assisted service.
Multiple trips per year	Saudi tourist eVisa (apply directly with Saudi Arabia) — we do not assist.
Planning Umrah from the UK (British passport)	Electronic visa waiver guide (UK)

Frequently asked questions

Saudi Transit Visa: The Free 96-Hour Stopover Visa Explained

What is the Saudi 96-hour transit visa?

Key facts at a glance