In a major development that is being welcomed by Muslim travelers across the globe, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a streamlined stopover visa initiative that allows international visitors to perform Umrah for as little as 52.50 Saudi Riyals, approximately ₦10,700, during layovers in the Kingdom. The initiative, which is specifically tied to passengers flying with national carriers Saudia and Flynas, opens a convenient and affordable route for Muslims to access the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah without applying for a separate religious visa.
Under the new arrangement, eligible travelers transiting through any of the Kingdom’s major airports can receive a 96-hour stopover visa that permits them to perform Umrah, explore cultural landmarks, and even engage in brief tourism activities across Saudi Arabia. The visa is valid for four days and is issued at a remarkably low cost, comprising a SAR 39.50 administrative fee and SAR 13 mandatory health insurance charge, bringing the total to just SAR 52.50.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the stopover visa is automatically integrated into the flight booking process. Once a traveler selects a stopover option while booking with either Saudia or Flynas, the electronic visa is generated and typically approved within minutes, eliminating the need for lengthy embassy visits or paperwork.
To qualify for the visa, travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket with the same airline and a passport valid for no less than six months. Additionally, those intending to perform Umrah must secure their appointment through the official Nusuk app, which serves as the Kingdom’s digital gateway for managing pilgrimage-related services. The app also provides navigation, schedules, and access controls for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.
This initiative not only enhances the spiritual opportunities for Muslims passing through the Kingdom but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global tourism hub while maintaining its status as the spiritual heartland of Islam. Authorities say the program is designed to cater to millions of Muslims who wish to perform Umrah but are constrained by visa costs or time limitations.
By transforming ordinary layovers into spiritually meaningful journeys, Saudi Arabia is redefining religious travel access. For Nigerian pilgrims and other African travelers frequently using connecting flights through the Middle East, this represents a timely and cost-effective chance to fulfill religious obligations without altering primary travel plans.
The move has been praised as both visionary and practical, offering the Muslim Ummah new levels of accessibility to the holy sites, something many could previously only dream of due to visa hurdles and financial constraints. With this program now live, spiritual journeys have become easier, quicker, and significantly more affordable.
