Saudi Arabia | Immigration | Extended grace period for expired visa holders


July 29, 2025

Immigration 

Saudi Arabia | Extended grace period for expired visa holders

Summary

On June 27th 2025, the Saudi Arabian government implemented a 30-day grace period allowing individuals with expired visit visas to lawfully exit the Kingdom, regardless of their visa category (i.e. single- or multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, or family visits). This measure was designed to enable overstaying visitors to regularise their departure without facing administrative fines or future immigration consequences.

The grace period has since been extended by an additional 30 days, effective from July 26, 2025.

The detail

Saudi authorities are urging all eligible individuals to take advantage of the extended grace period. In order to remain compliant, individuals with expired visit visas are instructed to complete the below steps:

  • Settle any outstanding fines or administrative fees through the SADAD system or via the Absher/Tawasul platforms;
  • Submit an exit request through Tawasul and ensure they leave the country within the 30-day window. It is also recommended to retain all payment receipts and exit confirmations for future reference.

Failure to comply within the specified timeframe may result in a fine of up to SAR 50,000, lengthy entry bans, or deportation.

What this means

The extension of the grace period offers a critical opportunity for individuals who have overstayed their visas to exit Saudi Arabia without penalty. It reflects the Kingdom’s continued efforts to facilitate compliance through a more compassionate and streamlined approach. This initiative also reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in immigration procedures through digital platforms like Absher and Tawasul.

Employers should promptly assess their foreign visitor population and identify any individuals who may be eligible under this policy. Business travellers, family visitors, and tourists whose visas have expired should be informed of the new deadline and supported in completing the required exit procedures. Timely action will help avoid significant fines, entry bans, or other immigration penalties.

How we can help

At Vialto Partners, we provide expert guidance on navigating Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies and their implications for businesses and employees. We are closely monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia the above topic and can advise you with respect to the impact of those changes as well as conduct any assessments your business might need to comply with the updated visa regulations.

For tailored advice on how these visa changes may affect your business or employees, please contact our team.

 

Contact us

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

Ahmed Amer
Manager

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