Saudi Arabia, in coordination with several regional embassies, has introduced temporary emergency entry arrangements allowing certain nationals to enter the Kingdom via land borders and obtain visas on arrival for onward travel. In parallel, Saudi authorities have implemented a grace period for individuals with expired visas, allowing either extension or exit without penalties until 18 April 2026.
Emergency entry arrangements (land borders)
Saudi Arabia has introduced temporary emergency entry arrangements for limited categories of nationals, enabling entry via land borders and the issuance of visas on arrival for onward travel through Saudi airports.
For Egyptian nationals, the Egyptian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that eligible individuals entering Saudi Arabia by land may obtain an emergency visa on arrival, subject to applicable consular procedures, to facilitate onward travel.
For Indian nationals in Qatar, the Indian Embassy in Doha has confirmed that registered individuals may exit Qatar and enter Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border under an emergency arrangement. Eligible travellers may obtain a visa on arrival and continue onward travel.
For Indian nationals in Bahrain, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain is facilitating registration for individuals requiring assistance to exit Bahrain and enter Saudi Arabia. The embassy is coordinating with Bahraini and Saudi authorities to support emergency entry where required.
Visa overstay grace period
Saudi authorities have introduced a temporary concession for individuals holding expired visas. This concession applies to all visa types, including visit, Umrah, transit and final exit visas that expired on or before 25 February 2026.
Affected individuals may either extend their visa via the Absher platform, subject to applicable fees, or exit Saudi Arabia without extending the visa and without incurring overstay penalties. Both options must be completed by 18 April 2026. Individuals who fail to take action by this date may be subject to immigration penalties.
These emergency entry arrangements provide limited and controlled pathways for affected nationals to transit through Saudi Arabia during exceptional circumstances. They do not constitute standard entry routes and require prior coordination with the relevant embassies.
The visa grace period provides short‑term compliance relief for individuals with expired visas and reduces the risk of overstay fines and related immigration consequences. Employers and sponsors should review the immigration status of impacted individuals promptly to ensure appropriate action is taken before the deadline.
We can assess eligibility for emergency entry arrangements and support coordination with relevant embassies. We can advise on documentation and procedural requirements for land border entry and visa-on-arrival processes, support visa extension applications through the Absher platform, and assist with exit planning to ensure compliance before 18 April 2026.
We continue to monitor regulatory updates and will share further guidance as new information becomes available. For tailored advice, please contact our team.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Ali Ibrahim
Director, KSA and Bahrain Lead
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