The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia (MOFA) and other relevant authorities, announced the launch of a new 96-hour Stopover Visa to passengers booked on flynas or SAUDIA flights to the Kingdom.

With the goal of welcoming 100 million visitors annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia is making ongoing efforts to modernize and revolutionize the tourism industry. And the ‘Stopover Visa’ is a huge step forward in making Saudi Arabia a world-class tourists destination.

The new ‘Stopover Visa’ will be issued free of charge to passengers using SAUDIA or flynas with transit flights at any airport in Saudi Arabia. Visa applications are automatically available on these two airlines booking platforms up to 90 days prior to travel and take around 3 minutes to complete.

The ‘Stopover Visa’ will allow passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours. It enables them to explore historical, cultural, and spiritual sites here. Travelers can use the ‘ Stopover Visa’ to make long-haul flights no longer boring, extend a business trip, or simply book a small trip to experience Saudi’s entertainment events.

Moreover, travelers with a ‘Stopover Visa’ will be eligible for a free one-night stay at the hotel when booking through SAUDIA. To help visitors make the most of this time, customized itineraries of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours have been developed. They inspire visitors to stroll the streets of Al-Balad, Jeddah or visit the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s six UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said the Gulf nation is committed to providing a seamless experience for visitors. He said: “The announcement of Saudi’s inaugural Stopover Visa is a landmark example of integrated public and private sector cooperation… In partnership with our national air carriers, SAUDIA and flynas, we are using digital platforms to provide an instant Stopover Visa, which only enhances our world-class offerings.”

Facing the open and convenient visa policies of countries in the region, Vietnam is urged to adjust the visa policy to attract more international visitors. This is still one of the major barriers for tourists who want to stay for a long time, or enter and leave the country many times.