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King Abdulaziz International Airport Transit Visa 2026

Airside transit visa-free. To enter Jeddah for Umrah, use dedicated Umrah visa via Nusuk. Saudi e-visa covers non-religious tourism to Jeddah + Red Sea + Diriyah + AlUla.

Airside transit zone at King Abdulaziz International Airport

JED has an airside transit area + a dedicated Hajj Terminal (used seasonally). Non-pilgrims transit at Terminal 1.

Usually need a transit visa

  • • For Umrah/Hajj (leave airport to Makkah/Madinah): dedicated Umrah visa via Nusuk app or licensed agent
  • • For tourist entry to Jeddah/Red Sea: nationals not on Saudi e-visa list

Usually exempt

  • • Airside transit — all nationalities
  • • GCC citizens — visa-free entry
  • • Saudi e-visa (SAR 300): USA, UK, EU, Australia, NZ, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore + 40+ others

Visa types + cost

Airside transit (no visa)

Duration
Unlimited within layover
Price
Free
Process
None. Stay airside.

Saudi e-visa (tourist)

Duration
1 year multi-entry, 90-day stays
Price
SAR 300 + insurance
Process
visa.visitsaudi.com — instant approval.

Umrah visa (via Nusuk)

Duration
30 days
Price
Free or via authorized operator
Process
Apply through Nusuk app 6-12 weeks before pilgrimage. E-visa CANNOT be used for Umrah (as of 2026 policy).

Real scenarios

Scenario 1
Umrah pilgrim from Indonesia, JED airside connection to Madinah
Airside transit is free, but arrival immigration for Makkah/Madinah requires Umrah visa (not e-visa)
Scenario 2
US tourist visiting Jeddah + Red Sea (Al-Balad UNESCO)
Saudi e-visa online — enter freely, avoid Makkah/Madinah restricted zones
Scenario 3
Egyptian citizen with valid Saudi work visa (iqama)
No transit visa needed — iqama grants free entry + transit

Official source

https://www.nusuk.sa

Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.

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