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 in**@*************up.com or use the contact form below.
