Planning your next long-haul trip? Dreading it? Long-haul travel can be both tedious and exhausting, but the recent introduction of stopover visas by a number of international airlines, means that you can now break up your journey, and explore somewhere new along the way.
So, why not discover the ancient wonders and exciting events of Saudi Arabia with the Saudia Stopover Visa?
About the Saudia Stopover Visa
Like other airlines in the Middle East, Saudia's Stopover Visa allows international travellers to experience the Kingdom's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities of Jeddah or Riyadh.
How long can I stay in Saudi on on the Stopover Visa?
Offering visitors the option to discover the nation for a period of up to 96 hours (4 days), these stopover visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Saudia. It is important to note that the stopover visa is not extendable beyond these 96 hours.
Is accommodation included in the Saudia Stopover Visa?
No, accommodation is not provided, this is at the discretion of the traveller.
How can I apply for the Saudia Stopover Visa?
Obtaining a Saudia Stopover Visa is relatively simple.
Book your flights directly with Saudia using their official website, and on the Seats and Extras page, choose between a stopover in the Red Sea city of Jeddah or the Kingdom's metropolitan capital, Riyadh. Here you can select time period of you wish to stay in Saudi (up to a max of 96 hours).
When booking online you will be directed to apply and pay for for your stopover visa, and the process is straightforward. Once payment is completed, and stopover visa details are confirmed, your visa will be approved. After which you will receive your visa electronically via email, alongside receive insurance details for your stay.
To apply for the stopover visa you will need to provide your passport information, alongside other personal details such as your occupation and place of residency. In addition to this, it may be required for visitors to provide a digital, passport-sized photo (dimensions: 200x200px / max size: 20KB).
Are there any special conditions I should be aware of to get the Stopover Visa?
Travellers must have a confirmed travel ticket to their final intended destination (with Saudia) and an entry visa to that country or a residency permit. For anyone wishing to avail of the Stopover Visa, they must hold a passport that does not have any restrictions, and the passport must be valid for a period of no less than six months.
Just one stopover is allowed per booking / per leg and visa.
About Saudia
Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia.
The airlines has accumulated a number of accolades this year, and has announced several exciting new happenings, aside from the Stopover Visa.
In June of this year, it was announced that the seasoned airline has been named in 8th place on the Skytrax list of the World's Best First Class Airlines. Overtaking international industry leaders, Saudia was recognised for providing its First Class passengers with unparalleled comfort, exceptional service, and award-winning cuisine. Embracing its Saudi Arabian heritage, Saudia offers First Class passengers a selection of fresh fruit juices and a refreshing towel whilst they await take off, and shortly after take off, air stewards offer cardamom-flavoured Arabic coffee alongside succulent Saudi dates, a traditional welcome.
In the same awards by Skytrax, the Kingdom's national airline placed within the top five list of Best Airlines in the Middle East. Placing fourth, Saudia was ranked just behind Qatar, Emirates and Etihad.
More recently, Saudia have elevated the pre-flight experience for its First and Business Class passengers with the opening of a brand new, dedicated check-in lounge at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport. An exclusive space for Business and First Class passenger in Terminal 1, the newly opened lounge offers a range of amenities such as a cafe, and a selection of personalised services designed to ensure a seamless and luxurious start to your journey.
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