Transiting through JED, Do I need a visa?
 

Hello all, I'm looking at a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila Philippines (MNL) which transits through Jeddah (JED), the airline I'm looking to fly with is Saudia and the layover time will be roughly 7 hours. I've read contradictory info online and some I just don't understand. I wanted to ask if any US citizens want to chime in, did you need to acquire a transit visa when transiting through Jeddah? I don't intend to leave the airport, I plan on staying inside and patiently wait for my next flight.

Also, any shower facilities there be they free or pay for, I will need a shower after being in a long tube for that many hours.

Not sure about shower facilities, but if you have Priority Pass, they've a mediocre lounge.

Since you mentioned being a U.S. citizen, no transit visas are required. In fact, you can now buy a tourist visa at the airport.

Also, as you're flying to the Philippines, make sure you have the outbound ticket, too. Every time I've gone to the Philippines, they like to know that I'm leaving as well (no fear of that).

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There's a 12-hour limit on scheduled airside transfers. So you will be fine with your patient wait. Certainly no transit visa required.

Depending just how much you value showers and bed-rest it might be worth considering the airside hotel, but this has become considerably more expensive following its soft opening.

The hotel was supplying lounge facilities for some carriers, maybe it still is, so it's worth asking if they offer shower facilities you could pay for.

The other airline and third-party lounges have showers so it might be a good idea to try for paid entry if you don't have any magic cards.

The processing of transfer passengers can be efficient, but at busy times it can get chaotic and eat up time and patience. So it could be your 7 hour transit is significantly reduced by the faff at both ends of it. If you can't manage a lounge, there are plenty of shops to mooch around and fast food places to take the edge off any hunger. There's even an airside branch of al Baik. the kingdom's answer to KFC.