Saudia’s new service to offer a 96-hour tourist visa upon ticket purchase

The Saudi airline Saudia has reportedly stated that travelers with tickets from the airline will only be allowed entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a maximum of four days (or 96 hours). The visitor will also be allowed to use this period of time to perform the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages in the Kingdom.

A Saudia representative said that while purchasing tickets online, customers will be asked if they require a visa. If they reply in the affirmative, they will be instructed to do a form and a few quick tasks, which shouldn't take longer than three minutes.

With Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi offering transit visas of 48 to 96 hours along with flight tickets, this system is already operational on a number of UAE-based airlines.

All international airports in the nation will be covered by the service. The new decision has been coordinated with the "Guests of God" service program, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.