An Overview of Saudi Arabia Marine Transit Visa

Updated on Feb 13, 2024 | Saudi e-Visa

Planning to visit Jeddah to perform Umrah this year? Then, you should know everything about the latest Saudi marine transit visa. Check it out here.

Are you planning to visit Jeddah this year for the Umrah via cruises? If yes, you should be interested in today’s blog. We are here going to reveal the latest Jeddah transit visa news 2023. Let’s get started.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Saudi Arabia, they have recently launched an e-maritime visa for those arriving in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Mecca, or Medina neighborhoods via cruises and desiring to complete their visa application online without standing in the long queue to obtain a visa on arrival. 

However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds! There’s more to know before applying for a marine transit eVisa for Saudi Arabia. Have a look!

Saudi Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Saudi e-Visa to be able to visit Saudi Arabia . Foreign citizens can apply for an Saudi e-Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Saudi Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Saudi Cruise Tourist Visa Rules and Visa Requirements 2023

Jeddah is the home port of Saudi Arabia, serving as an embarkation point for Red Sea Cruises. Here, you can fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and then travel to the port by land if you have obtained an e-maritime visa. 

But, here are some rules and requirements to get this Saudi transit visa. For example:

  • You need to provide proper documentation to book a cruise ticket to get the approval of a marine Saudi Arabia eVisa
  • You must have a current valid passport to apply for a cruise visa with 6-month validity from the intended date of your arrival
  • Online submissions are necessary to complete Saudi marine eVisa applications
  • Residence permit from your country
  • Filled out and signed the Saudi Visa questionnaire with the declaration of Saudi laws
  • Proof of cruise ticket booking
  • Check your eligibility for the e-maritime transit visa, for example, when you are a passenger on a cruise ship boarding it in Saudi Arabia, or you are traveling on a cruise with a stoppage here

With this, you get a travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia for travel or business purposes for 30 days. Using this marine transit visa, you can fly into the country for brief trips or travel to the ports. In fact, according to the latest announcements in 2023, pilgrims can also apply for this Saudi e-maritime visa to perform Umrah.

READ MORE:
The Hajj visa and the Umrah visa are two distinct forms of Saudi Arabian visas that are offered for religious travel, in addition to the new electronic visa for visitors. Yet to make the Umrah pilgrimage easier, the new tourist eVisa can also be employed. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa.

Saudi Marine Transit Visa Application Process for Cruise Passengers

Although a maritime eVisa to Saudi Arabia is easy to obtain online, there are three steps to complete that application process successfully. Here’s how:

  1. Fill out the e-maritime visa for online
  2. The Saudi Cruise Company will verify your information to ensure they are valid and correct.
  3. If all your data are found correct after the verification, you will receive the authorized cruise visa.

Saudi Arabia Cruise Destinations

As mentioned, Jeddah is the home port of Saudi Arabia, also popular as the gateway to Mecca. So, if you are planning to pilgrim, applying for a Saudi cruise visa is the best thing to do. In fact, there are other port cities and towns you can visit within this short period of 30 days using your marine transit visa and enjoy to the fullest, such as:

  • Yanbu, a popular scuba destination
  • King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the gateway to Medina
  • Dammam, best for its breathtaking beaches
Latest Saudi Arabia Marine Transit Visa

You can explore all these places and take a brief trip to Saudi Arabia. However, a multiple-entry tourist eVisa can allow you to enter and stay up to 90 days here. 

Want to Apply for a Jeddah Maritime Transit Visa Online?

If yes, let us help you. At SAUDI ARABIA VISA, we assist travelers with e-maritime visa procedures from start to finish, including obtaining travel authorizations, translating your documents into over 100 languages, reviewing your answers, especially grammar and spelling, and checking all the details for accuracy. We ensure a 100% error-free Saudi eVisa application process. 

Click here for a Saudi visa application for a marine or cruise tourist visa today!

READ MORE:
In this article, we will unveil the top tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia that await eVisa holders, showcasing the country's diverse attractions and inviting you on a remarkable journey. Learn more at The Top Tourist Destinations in Saudi Arabia .


Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Saudi Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.