Saudi Arabia grants extra 30 days for visit visa overstayers to leave country

Authorities urge overstaying visitors to settle fines, leave within the new 30-day window

Last updated: July 28, 2025 | 14:27

Khitam Al Amir

1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia is offering a 30-day grace period to those whose visit visas have expired.

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Dubai: Saudi authorities have extended the grace period for visit visa holders who have overstayed, granting them an additional 30 days to leave the country, the General Directorate of Passports announced.

The extension, which applies to all categories of visit visas, took effect on Sunday, July 27, and is conditional on the payment of any outstanding fines and fees in line with Saudi regulations.

In a statement, the directorate said that eligible individuals can request departure through the “Tawasul” service on the Ministry of Interior’s digital “Absher” platform. Officials urged visitors to make use of the extended window to arrange their departure within the specified timeframe and avoid further penalties.

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The initiative, first introduced in June, aims to streamline exit procedures and promote compliance with the kingdom’s residency and immigration rules. Under the policy, which came into effect on June 26, overstayers were granted a 30-day grace period to settle fines and administrative fees before leaving the country, regardless of the type or classification of their visa.

The latest extension is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to regulate residency and ensure smoother departure processes for visitors who remain in the kingdom beyond their visa validity.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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