Saudi Arabia Launches E-Transit Visa for Visitors Arriving by Air

The transit e-visa will help achieve Vision 2030 goals. (SPA)
The transit e-visa will help achieve Vision 2030 goals. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Launches E-Transit Visa for Visitors Arriving by Air

The transit e-visa will help achieve Vision 2030 goals. (SPA)
The transit e-visa will help achieve Vision 2030 goals. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia launched an electronic service that allows passengers arriving in the Kingdom by air to obtain an entry visa electronically.

The e-transit visa for stopover aims to facilitate and automate entry visa procedures and allows entry to Saudi Arabia for people who wish to perform the Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, tour the Kingdom, and attend tourism events.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visa issuance service came in coordination with the relevant authorities and cooperation with the national airlines.

The new service came into effect Monday. People can apply for a transit visa through the electronic platforms of Saudia Airlines and Flynas.

The application will be automatically passed on to the unified national visa platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to process. A digital visa would be issued instantly and sent back to the applicant via e-mail.

The Ministry stressed that the e-transit visa for stopover service would help achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s position and benefiting from its prominent strategic location as a hub linking continents, an attraction for transients, and a global tourist destination.

The visa is free of charge and would be immediately issued with the traveler’s ticket, with a three-month validity, and entitles the holder to a four-day stay in the Kingdom.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.