If you are currently in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa that has expired or is about to expire, you now have a chance to exit the Kingdom without incurring additional legal penalties. The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced a 30-day grace period for individuals whose visit visas have expired.
This measure, posted via Jawazat’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, offers relief to many travelers navigating Saudi Arabia’s evolving visa and exit regulations.
When Does the Grace Period Begin?
The 30-day extension starts on Saturday, 26 July 2025, and applies to all categories of expired visit visas—whether you entered for family, tourism, or business purposes.
This is not the first time the Saudi government has introduced such a measure. A similar policy was offered in June 2025, aligned with the start of the Hijri New Year, to help travelers exit legally and avoid criminal penalties.
Why This Update Is Important
Overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia is not only a civil violation but can escalate into a criminal offense. Fines accumulate quickly, and the consequences may include bans from re-entry or even detention.
This grace period gives you a final opportunity to leave the country legally—but there’s a catch: you must first settle all outstanding visa fines or penalties before departure.
What You Need to Do
If your visit visa has expired, follow these steps immediately:
- Pay All Outstanding Fines or Fees
Clear any penalties associated with your expired visa. - Access the Absher Platform
Visit the Ministry of Interior’s official portal: Absher.sa - Use the Tawasul Service
Submit your request for exit through the Tawasul service on Absher. - Act Within the 30-Day Window
Complete your request and exit before the deadline to avoid further penalties or legal consequences.
Authorities stress that this is a one-time opportunity, and failing to act promptly may lead to enforcement actions.
Who Is Eligible?
This grace period applies to all categories of expired visit visas, including:
- Tourist Visas
- Family Visit Visas
- Business Visit Visas
If your visa falls into any of these categories and has expired, you are eligible to request the exit grace period through Absher.
How to Apply for the Grace Duration
The grace period is not automatic. You must actively apply via the official system.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Log into Absher using your existing account credentials
- Navigate to Tawasul Service under the available e-services
- Select the option to submit an exit request for expired visit visa
- Upload any required supporting documents
- Ensure all fines are paid in full
- Exit the country before the 30-day deadline ends
Delays may result in extra penalties or denial of future entry into Saudi Arabia.
Final Reminder
Saudi Arabia’s extension of the grace period reflects its effort to manage overstays more humanely, especially around peak periods like Hajj or the Hijri New Year. However, this is not an amnesty—it is a structured and conditional exit opportunity.
If your visa has expired, now is the time to log into Absher, settle your obligations, and submit your exit application through Tawasul.