King Khalid International Airport Transit Visa 2026
Airside transit at RUH is visa-free for all nationalities. Saudi e-visa (SAR 300) is available for 50+ nationalities to enter the country. Umrah/Hajj travellers need separate visa category.
Airside transit zone at King Khalid International Airport
RUH has an airside transit area between T1/T2/T3/T5. Terminal 6 opening 2025 will expand transit capacity. Riyadh Air launching 2026 will drive volume.
Usually need a transit visa
- • For entering Saudi Arabia: nationals not on e-visa or GCC-resident list
- • For Umrah/Hajj: dedicated visa required (not e-visa) — apply via Nusuk platform or Saudi consulate
Usually exempt
- • Airside transit — all nationalities
- • GCC citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) — visa-free entry
- • Saudi e-visa (SAR 300 online): USA, UK, EU/Schengen, 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 (~$80) + insurance
Process
Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com — instant approval for eligible passports.
Umrah visa
Duration
30 days
Price
Free or via authorized Umrah operator
Process
Apply via Nusuk app or licensed Umrah agent 6-12 weeks before travel.
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
Any passport, RUH airside layover 4 hours
No visa needed
Scenario 2
UK citizen 3-day Riyadh stopover
Apply Saudi e-visa online — 30 min instant approval
Scenario 3
Indonesian pilgrim transiting RUH to Jeddah for Umrah
Airside transit is free; Umrah visa handles Jeddah entry, not RUH
Official source
https://visa.visitsaudi.comVisa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.
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