Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has extended a new rule giving holders of expired visit visas a 30-day grace period to exit the country without facing overstay penalties. The extension, announced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) on July 26, 2025, applies to all nationalities and all types of visit visas, including tourist, family, and business visas.
This move comes as part of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦’s effort to offer legal relief to visitors who missed their visa expiry deadline, especially during busy travel seasons like Hajj, Umrah, and the summer holidays. The 30-day grace period allows these individuals to leave the country legally, provided they follow the required steps and exit before August 25, 2025.
Who Is Affected and What’s New?
The new policy covers anyone in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 with an expired visit visa, regardless of their nationality or the type of visa they held. Both single-entry and multiple-entry visa holders are eligible. This includes people who came for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. The rule was first introduced in June 2025 and has now been extended, giving more people a chance to avoid harsh penalties.
How Does the 30-Day Grace Period Work?
During the 30-day grace period, expired visit visa holders can exit Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 without paying overstay fines or facing legal trouble. However, they must complete a few important steps before leaving:
- Settle Outstanding Dues:
- Pay any unpaid fines or visa-related fees using the SADAD payment system. This is a digital payment service widely used in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
- Apply for Exit Permit:
- Submit a request for an exit permit through the Tawasul service on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform. The Absher platform is an official government website that handles many immigration and public services. You can access it at https://www.absher.sa.
- Complete Exit Procedures:
- Make sure all steps are finished within the 30-day grace period, which for the current extension runs from July 26 to August 25, 2025.
- Once approved, leave Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 through any legal airport, seaport, or land border.
- Carry Proper Documents:
- Bring your passport, expired visa, and proof of payment for any dues when you travel.
What Happens If You Overstay the Grace Period?
If you do not exit Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 within the 30-day grace period, you may face serious consequences. These include:
- Fines up to SAR 50,000 (Saudi Riyals)
- Multi-year ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Possible legal action or detention
Legal experts and immigration law firms stress the importance of acting quickly. As reported by VisaVerge.com, missing the deadline can have long-lasting effects, making it difficult to return to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for work, family, or religious visits in the future.
Why Did Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Introduce This Rule?
Before June 2025, anyone who overstayed a visit visa in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 faced immediate fines and possible bans, with little room for exceptions. The new rule came around the Islamic New Year (1447 AH) and was likely influenced by the need to manage large numbers of visitors during religious and holiday seasons. Authorities wanted to offer a fair way for people who missed their visa expiry date—often by accident or due to travel delays—to leave without facing harsh punishment.
How Does the Digital Process Work?
The use of the Absher platform and Tawasul service makes the process easier and faster. Instead of waiting in long lines or dealing with lots of paperwork, visitors can handle most steps online. This digital approach is part of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦’s broader push to modernize its immigration system and make it more user-friendly.
What Do Officials and Experts Say?
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) is the main authority in charge of this policy. They made the announcement through their official X (formerly Twitter) account and other channels. The Ministry of Interior, which runs the Absher platform, also plays a key role.
Immigration law firms like Erickson Immigration Group and Fragomen have published detailed guides on how to use the new system. They warn that while the grace period offers relief, it is important to follow every step carefully and not wait until the last minute.
What Are the Practical Effects for Visitors and Families?
For many families and individuals, this rule brings peace of mind. It gives them a clear, legal way to leave Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 without worrying about fines or bans. This is especially helpful for those who may have missed their visa expiry due to illness, flight cancellations, or other emergencies.
The policy also helps Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 manage its borders more smoothly during peak travel times. By encouraging people to leave on time, the government can better control the flow of visitors and reduce the risk of illegal overstays.
Can You Extend Your Visit Visa Instead?
No, the 30-day grace period is only for exiting the country. You cannot use it to extend your expired visit visa. If you want to stay longer in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, you must apply for a new visa from outside the country.
What Should You Do If You Are Affected?
If your visit visa has expired, here’s what you should do right away:
- Log in to the Absher platform and check your visa status.
- Pay any outstanding dues through the SADAD system.
- Apply for an exit permit using the Tawasul service.
- Prepare your travel documents and plan your departure before August 25, 2025.
Where Can You Find More Information?
For the latest updates and step-by-step instructions, visit the official Absher platform. You can also follow Jawazat’s official channels for announcements. If you have a complex case or need personal advice, consider contacting a qualified immigration attorney or law firm.
Looking Ahead: Will the Rule Be Extended Again?
Authorities have not said whether the 30-day grace period will be extended again after August 25, 2025. They are watching how many people use the grace period and may adjust the policy based on what happens. Some experts believe that if the rule works well, it could become a regular part of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦’s immigration policy, especially during busy travel seasons.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦’s 30-day grace period for expired visit visa holders offers a rare chance to exit the country legally and avoid heavy penalties. If you or someone you know is affected, act quickly, follow the digital steps, and leave before the deadline. Staying informed and using official resources is the best way to protect your rights and avoid future problems.
Learn Today
Grace Period → A fixed time after visa expiry allowing legal exit without penalties.
Expired Visit Visa → A visit visa that has passed its validity date for entry or stay.
SADAD Payment System → Saudi Arabia’s electronic platform to pay fines and government fees.
Absher Platform → Official Saudi government website for immigration and public service applications.
Exit Permit → Authorization granted via Absher allowing legal departure from Saudi Arabia after visa expiry.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudi Arabia’s 30-day grace period lets expired visit visa holders exit legally by August 25, 2025. Use Absher online, pay fines, and apply for exit permits. Overstays risk severe penalties. This digital process eases travel enforcement, protecting visitors from fines during peak seasons like Hajj and Umrah.
— By VisaVerge.com
