How UAE residents can perform Umrah on a free Saudi transit visa
Appointments required via Nusuk app
DUBAI: UAE residents planning international travel can now perform Umrah during a layover in Saudi Arabia using a free transit visa offered through Saudia Airlines and Flynas.
This stopover visa allows travelers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours, providing an opportunity to visit Makkah or Madinah for religious purposes.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to facilitate pilgrimage access for GCC residents. Travelers must fly with Saudia or Flynas to be eligible, and the visa is issued automatically during flight booking. Only minor fees for processing and insurance are charged.
The free stopover visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and the stay must not exceed four days. All visitors are required to book their Umrah or Ziyarah appointments in advance using the Nusuk.sa platform.
Eligibility and conditions
The Saudi transit visa is available to all international travelers with a stopover in the Kingdom, provided they fly with Saudia or Flynas. GCC residents – regardless of nationality – qualify for the visa. Passengers flying with other airlines must apply for a standard transit visa separately.
To apply, travelers need a valid passport with at least six months remaining, a confirmed onward ticket, and – if applicable – a visa or residence permit for their final destination. A passport-sized photo must also be uploaded during the application.
Booking process and costs
When booking through Saudia or Flynas, the visa application is integrated into the flight booking process. After selecting a flight with a stopover, travelers will be prompted to apply for the stopover visa. Information required includes passport number, Emirates ID (if applicable), contact details, and a compliant passport photo.
Visa costs include:
- Visa fee: Free
- Application processing: SAR 39.50 (Dh 38.68)
- Medical insurance: Starting at SAR 13 (Dh 12.73)
Stay duration rules
The stopover visa permits a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days) in Saudi Arabia. It is a single-entry visa and cannot be extended. The visa is valid for use within 90 days from the date of issuance, and visitors must exit the country within the allowed duration.
Plan your religious visit
All Umrah pilgrims must book appointments in advance using the Nusuk platform. This applies to both visits to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Rawdah Al Sharifah in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Permits are mandatory for access to these holy sites.
To access Nusuk services:
- Visit nusuk.sa or download the Nusuk app
- Create an account
- Choose your preferred date and time
- Download your appointment permit
New Umrah access policies
In addition to the stopover visa, residents of GCC countries may also enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah using other types of visas. These include:
- Umrah visa via Nusuk.sa
- Tourist visa from ksavisa.sa
- Stopover visa via Saudia and Flynas
Saudi authorities have clarified that Umrah is now available year-round for all GCC nationals and residents, with entry permitted through air, sea, and land borders. This policy supports the Kingdom’s vision of enhancing the pilgrimage experience and broadening access.
Umrah season timeline
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has outlined key deadlines for the Umrah season:
- First of Shawwal: Last date to issue Umrah visas
- 15 Shawwal: Final entry date for pilgrims
- First of Dhul Qi’dah: Final departure date from the Kingdom
Additionally, contracts with Umrah companies must be approved by the first day of Shaaban in the upcoming year. These timelines are important for those planning ahead.
Flight and visa booking
To secure the free Saudi transit visa:
- Visit saudia.com or flynas.com
- Book a flight with a Saudi stopover (inbound or return)
- Fill in visa-related fields during booking
- Upload required documents and pay applicable fees
- Receive visa and insurance documents via email
With proper planning, UAE residents can now easily integrate a spiritual visit into their travel itinerary – without additional visa costs or lengthy applications.