Do I need a transit visa for a 3.5 hours in Dammam (DMM) airport?

Upvote:2

I have traveled only with cabin luggage through DMM with incoming WizzAir flight from VIE and outbound IndiGo flight to DEL on separate tickets/PNR on 10.12.2022, and, despite having checked in online and having the onward boarding pass with me, it was NOT possible to transfer without having to buy a visa on arrival for an extortionate SAR 480.

There was a huge crowd of ca. 30 travelers trying to transit with only hand luggage, but the staff insisted despite hours of discussion that neither WizzAir nor IndiGo had contracted the airport to process transfer passengers and thus everybody had to buy a visa only to pass immigration and enter the security screening not from the transit gate but from the general check-in area.

Clear rip-off capitalizing on the recently introduced visa-on-arrival (VOA). Avoid self-transfer at DMM at all costs!

Upvote:3

As you have separate tickets, (at least that is what I assume by a self transfer,) you will need to be able to enter your transfer country, as your first airline will (most likely) not let you board without a visa. That airline is responsible to get you out of the country and likely pay a fine, if you are deemed there without the right visa.

While the official rules may allow for a transit visa, at least in some cases, airlines are not likely to accept those to let you onto the flight.

So see if you can get a full visa for Saudi Arabia, as without you may not be able to take the flight getting you there.

There might be exceptions as SA is not known for giving out visa easily, I hope someone with more experience in this country will give you more advise.

Upvote:3

Adding my experience here: Was flying from Istanbul to Damaam on Pegasus and Damaam to Delhi on Air India.

There was no need to get a visa but it was a strange process. There were 4 people transferring so they made us all fill out a form, took our passports and asked us to wait. About 15 mins later a man returned with our passports and the boarding pass. Had the security check after that and that's it.

There was a person who had check-in luggage but he didn't have to go and collect it. I think it automatically transferred (They mentioned it's easy to transfer to Air India but Indigo is usually a hassle)

Edit: date of travel - 29 Nov. '22

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