Saudi Arabia Launches 30-Day Grace Period for Expired Visit

Initiative Begins June 27, 2025, Aims to Streamline Human Movement and Enforce Visa Regulations

In a major development for foreign nationals residing temporarily in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced a 30-day grace period to extend expired visit visas for the purpose of final departure. This initiative, effective from 1/1/1447 AH (June 27, 2025), is designed to facilitate a more structured and lawful exit process while easing the administrative burden for both the government and visa holders.

Key Highlights:

Initiative starts June 27, 2025 (1/1/1447 AH)
Applies to all types of expired visit visas
Aims to allow final departure with proper legal processing
Requires payment of relevant fees and fines
Overstaying penalties are exempted during the grace period
Applications must be made via the Tawasul service on Absher
Deadline is final – No extension beyond the 30-day window

Purpose Behind the Grace Period Initiative

The Jawazat has clarified that this special initiative is part of a broader strategy to streamline human movement and reinforce compliance with residency and visa laws. By offering a one-time opportunity for visitors whose visas have expired, the Saudi government aims to reduce illegal overstays and ensure that individuals exit the country within a legal framework.

The statement from the Passports Directorate emphasized that the grace period reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing border security, administrative efficiency, and humanitarian consideration.

Who Can Benefit from This Initiative?

The grace period covers all categories of visit visas, including:

Family visit visas
Business visit visas
Tourist visas
Medical treatment visas
Transit or temporary entry visas

Foreign nationals whose visit visas have expired before June 27, 2025, can apply for an extension solely for the purpose of final departure. It is crucial to note that this initiative is not for regular visa renewal, but rather a legal window to exit Saudi Arabia without facing overstaying consequences.

How to Apply: Process and Requirements

Applicants must submit their extension requests through the Tawasul service available on the Absher electronic platform, which is maintained by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

Log in to the Absher platform: https://www.absher.sa
Navigate to the Tawasul Service under e-services
Select “Passport Services”
Submit a visa extension request for final departure
Upload required documents (expired visa, passport copy, etc.)
Pay any applicable fees and fines

Once the request is reviewed and approved, visitors will receive confirmation and can proceed to finalize their departure procedures without facing any legal complications or penalties for overstaying.

No Penalties for Overstaying During Grace Period

One of the most significant features of this initiative is that visa holders will be exempt from the usual penalties associated with overstaying their visas—provided they act within the 30-day grace period. Normally, overstaying a visit visa in Saudi Arabia can result in:

Hefty financial fines
Deportation
A ban from re-entering the Kingdom for several years

By waiving these consequences temporarily, the Saudi government is offering affected individuals a fair and lawful exit option.

Urgent Reminder from Jawazat: No Extensions Beyond Deadline

The General Directorate of Passports has issued a clear warning: the grace period is strictly time-bound. Individuals must submit their requests within the 30-day window, and no extensions will be granted beyond this deadline. Those who fail to act within this period may face the full spectrum of penalties for overstaying.

In its official communication, the department urged visitors to act promptly and not delay their applications, as the grace period will not be renewed or extended.

Significance for Expatriates and Visitors

This decision is expected to benefit a significant number of expats and temporary visitors, especially those who may have been unable to leave due to personal, health, or logistical reasons. The move comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to digitize immigration services, enhance transparency, and improve the visitor experience.

The initiative also reflects the Kingdom’s growing focus on humanitarian and administrative flexibility, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals of creating a more structured and globally integrated regulatory environment.

Final Words: Act Now to Avoid Legal Trouble

For anyone in Saudi Arabia with an expired visit visa, this is a one-time opportunity to exit the country legally and without penalties. The grace period is a valuable chance to regularize status, avoid fines, and maintain future eligibility for entry.