Riyadh, The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in a joint effort with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Tourism (MT), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU), as well as SAUDIA and Flynas, has enthusiastically embraced the introduction of a groundbreaking stopover visa.
Saudi Arabia has recently introduced the Stopover Visa, a free-of-charge initiative aimed at expanding the number of countries eligible for this program. This new visa option represents a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and attract more tourists to its shores. By broadening the scope of eligible nations, the Saudi government hopes to bolster its tourism industry and position the country as an increasingly desirable destination. In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Stopover Visa, a game-changing initiative that will revolutionize travel to the country. With this new visa, passengers will now have the incredible opportunity to extend their stay for up to 96 hours, granting them unprecedented access to Saudi Arabia's awe-inspiring historical, cultural, and spiritual sites. This development is set to attract a larger influx of visitors than ever before as they eagerly embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Saudi Arabia.
In a groundbreaking development, travelers will now have the opportunity to partake in the revered Umrah ritual through the utilization of the stopover visa. This exciting addition to the travel experience opens up new avenues for spiritual exploration and cultural immersion. In order to embark on their spiritual journey, travelers seeking a profound spiritual experience can now conveniently book their flights through two prominent airlines, Sauda and Flynas. However, it is important to note that these travelers must also complete the necessary registration process for Umrah, a sacred pilgrimage, via the Nusuk platform.
In a thrilling development for travelers, it has been announced that stopover visa holders will now have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary one-night hotel stay during their stopover. This exciting offer is exclusively available to those who book their stopover through SAUDIA, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort to their journey.
In order to enhance the experience of travelers during their stopover, a series of personalized itineraries spanning 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours have been meticulously crafted. These thoughtfully curated plans aim to ignite the wanderlust within visitors, encouraging them to explore the enchanting Al-Balad district in Jeddah or embark on a captivating journey to the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah. Notably, the latter is recognized as one of Saudi Arabia's esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the adventure.
In addition to its primary purpose, the stopover visa offers visitors the opportunity to enhance their travel experience in Saudi Arabia. Travelers can take advantage of this visa to break up long-haul flights, allowing for a refreshing pause in their journey. Moreover, it presents the chance to embark on an additional excursion, enabling individuals to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia's thriving entertainment scene and partake in the various seasonal events that grace the country's calendar. Furthermore, business travelers can seize the opportunity to extend their stay in Saudi Arabia while en route to their ultimate destination. The stopover visa thus serves as a versatile tool for travelers, offering them the flexibility to make the most of their time in this captivating nation.
In a move to streamline the travel process, SAUDIA and Flynas Airlines have announced that the stopover visa application will now be conveniently accessible through their airline booking platforms. This means that all passengers traveling to their ultimate destination with either of these airlines will have automatic access to the stopover visa application. This development aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers by eliminating the need for separate applications and providing a seamless process through the airline's own platforms. Saudi Arabia offers convenient stopover options at any of its airports. The application process, which can be completed in under three minutes for many individuals, allows applicants to apply for a period of up to three months prior to their intended travel.
The introduction of the stopover visa offers visitors an additional and adaptable choice to immerse themselves in the genuine essence of Arabia. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal of attracting a staggering 100 million annual visits by the year 2030.
The individual in question, commonly referred to as "His Excellency," is deserving of recognition and respect. In a statement, Ahmed Al Khateeb, the esteemed Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, expressed his views on the matter, stating:
The introduction of the stopover visa serves as further evidence of Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering and promoting expansion within the tourism industry. In a resolute commitment to fostering collaboration, the Saudi government and the entire tourism industry are poised to join forces as the nation embarks on its transformative journey towards becoming a preeminent global tourism hotspot.
In a statement, Fahd Hamidaddin, the esteemed CEO and Member of the Board at the Saudi Tourism Authority, expressed his views on the matter.
In a groundbreaking development, Saudi Arabia has unveiled its inaugural stopover visa, showcasing a remarkable display of collaboration between the public and private sectors. This initiative reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to opening its doors and sharing its rich cultural heritage with the global community.
Saudi Arabia is fully dedicated to providing a flawless and uninterrupted experience for its visitors. In a groundbreaking collaboration with SAUDIA and Flynas, two of our esteemed national air carriers, a new era of digital innovation is set to revolutionize travel to Saudi Arabia. Introducing the instant stopover visa, a game-changing development that promises to further elevate the accessibility of our beloved nation and showcase its unparalleled destination offerings to the world,
