- Saudi Arabia has implemented a 30-day grace period for foreign nationals with expired visit visas.
- The initiative allows visitors to leave the Kingdom without facing legal penalties.
- This measure is introduced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a 30-day grace period for foreign nationals with expired visit visas, granting them a temporary window to leave the Kingdom without incurring additional legal consequences.
The initiative, introduced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), is designed to ensure an orderly and lawful exit for visitors whose visas have expired.
This policy covers all types of visit visas, including family, business, and tourist categories, regardless of the original purpose of travel. Eligible visitors must leave within the 30-day timeframe to avoid future penalties or re-entry restrictions.
“The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has begun implementing a new measure allowing holders of all expired visit visasof any category to extend their stay solely for the purpose of final departure from Saudi Arabia.
“The grace period commenced on 1 Muharram 1447 AH, which corresponds to June 26, 2025. Visa holders now have 30 days to regularize their status, settle required fees and penalties, and complete their departure from the Kingdom,” the statement partly read.
To make use of this window, individuals must first clear all pending fines or visa-related charges. Afterward, they need to submit a manual final exit request via the Tawasul service on the Absher platform, which is overseen by the Ministry of Interior. The exit process is not automatic and requires approval.
Jawazat has urged all affected travelers to act swiftly, emphasizing that delays may trigger enforcement actions, such as fines or long-term re-entry bans. Authorities also cautioned that processing times could differ, so applications should be filed well before the deadline.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to streamline immigration procedures, especially during peak travel seasons and major religious events.
It also provides a compassionate solution for travelers who may have overstayed unintentionally or faced challenges leaving due to financial or logistical reasons.
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Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia suspended the issuance of one-year multiple-entry visit visas for citizens of Nigeria and 13 other nations. Implemented in February 2025, the policy now limits visitors from these countries to single-entry visas only.
- The change aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of preventing unauthorized Hajj participation and enhancing pilgrim safety. Countries affected include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
- Saudi immigration regulations remain strict concerning visa overstays. Offenders face daily fines, deportation, and extended re-entry bans depending on the length and recurrence of the violation. Penalties increase the longer an individual remains in the country unlawfully.
While the 30-day grace period offers temporary relief, Saudi authorities stress that it is a one-time opportunity to exit without harsher consequences. Visitors are strongly encouraged to act promptly rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
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