Saudi visa rules 2025: Extension procedures and the new grace period

Who can apply for a visa extension

Whether or not you can extend your visa depends on what type of visa you hold. In most cases, visit visas issued for tourism, business or family visits can be renewed once, provided the application is submitted before the current visa runs out. The extension usually covers the same duration as the original visa.

For people on work visas, the process is different. Exit and re-entry requests need to go through the sponsor or employer. It’s sometimes possible to apply for an extension while the visa holder is outside Saudi Arabia, but this is subject to approval.

Study and medical visit visas can also be renewed, although these typically require additional documents and a reason for the request.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, or if you’ve already extended your visa once, it’s best to check early. Overstaying without approval can result in fines, departure delays, or issues returning to the country later.

How to extend through the Absher system

Absher is the main platform for handling visa extensions and related services in Saudi Arabia. For most visitors and sponsored individuals, the process can be done online with the following steps:

 1. Go to www.absher.sa and log in using your account details.

2. Open the dashboard and select “Visa Services” under the “Workers” section.

3. Click on “Extend Exit and Re-entry for Sponsorees Outside Kingdom.”

4. Choose the person whose visa you want to extend.

5. Enter the required information, including the new return date.

6. Review the details, confirm the request, and make the payment.

7. You can track the status through your Absher account.

How much does it cost to extend a visa in Saudi Arabia?

The fee depends on the type and duration of your visa. For most visit visas, the cost to extend is usually around SAR 100. This generally allows for one renewal.

If you're applying to extend an exit and re-entry visa, the fees tend to range between SAR 200 and SAR 500, depending on the visa category and how long you're requesting to stay. Applying from outside Saudi Arabia can also result in higher charges.

Other costs might apply in specific cases. These include late application penalties or additional processing fees if your visa has already expired. All payments must be made through Absher or other authorised payment channels before the application is approved.

Common issues and things to watch out for

There are several issues that can slow down or block an extension extension, especially if you're applying close to the expiry date. Absher occasionally goes offline for maintenance, so it helps to start early and allow for possible delays.

Documents need to be double-checked before submitting your request. If your passport is set to expire too soon or visa records don’t match, your application could be rejected automatically.

Some visas also aren’t eligible for renewal. A good example is the single-entry family visit visa. If that expires, you’ll need to leave the country and submit a new application rather than apply for an extension.

If your visa is sponsored, by either an employer or family member, you’ll need their approval to proceed.

The 30-day grace period for expired visit visas

As of 26 June 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 30-day grace period for visitors whose visit visas have expired which applies across all visit visa types—tourism, business or family.

It gives you a one-time window to leave the country without being fined for overstaying but doesn’t allow you extend your visa or let you apply for a new one from within the country.

To use it, you’ll need to log into Absher and request departure through the Tawasul service. Once approved, you must exit the country within 30 days of your visa’s expiry date. If you leave within that window, you won’t be penalised or blocked from returning later.

Need help with a visa extension?

Sovereign PPG supports individuals, families and businesses with visa extensions, overstay issues and related immigration matters in Saudi Arabia. We work directly with government departments to ensure each application is accurate, compliant and submitted within the required timeframe.

Whether you need help navigating Absher, preparing documents or resolving an expired visa, our team offers practical, end-to-end support.

To speak with someone in Dubai, call +971 (0)4 456 1761. For Abu Dhabi, call +971 (0) 2 448 5120. You can also email info@propartnergroup.com or use the contact form below.