The Government of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of a new “Your ticket is a visa” program with Saudia airline.
Under this project, foreigners booking Saudia tickets will be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia for four days (or 96 hours). Travelers will be able to use the allowed 96 hours at their own discretion, for example, both for tourist acquaintance with the country, and for performing Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom. The service will be extended to all international airports in the country.
Saudia passengers will be able to obtain a transit visa to Saudi Arabia when booking tickets online. During the ticket purchase process, they will be asked if they need a visa. If the answer is yes, they will be redirected to fill out a visa application form and perform some procedures on the portal of the visa service of the country.
Whether this visa will be paid or free, there is no information. There is also no exact date for the launch of the “Your ticket is a visa” program: according to local publications, this will happen in the first half of 2023.
Saudi Arabia continues to develop as a tourist destination, so they want to build one of the world’s biggest airports- King Salman International Airport.