STA says new transit visa to help attract 100 mln visitors by 2030

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) confirmed that the launch of the new transit visa comes within the framework of its intention to consolidate its position on the global tourism map, attract tourists from various global markets and facilitate Umrah procedures.

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of STA, Ahmed Al-Khatib, said,“The launch of the new transit visa further proves the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and advancing growth in the tourism sector, which contributes to consolidating its position as a leading global tourism destination, along with achieving the sector’s objectives in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030." 

For his part, Fahd Hamid Al-Din, CEO and STA board member, said that the launch of the new visa will help the sector achieve its goals by attracting more than 100 million visits annually by 2030.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched earlier today, Jan. 31, an electronic service to issue transit visas for passengers on stopovers, according to Argaam's data.

The new visa allows its holders a four-day (96-hour) stay in the Kingdom. It is valid for three months.

The transit visa for stopovers allows entry to Saudi Arabia for people in transit who wish to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and tour the Kingdom. The visa is free-of-charge and will be immediately issued with the traveler’s ticker through Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and flynas.