Saudi Arabia’s New 30-Day Grace Period for Expired Visit Visa Holders
Saudi Arabia grants a 30-day grace period for expired visit visa holders to exit the country without penalty. Learn how to apply for an exit permit and avoid fines or legal consequences before the deadline.
Saudi Arabia’s New Rule: Expired Visit Visa Holders Now Have 30 Days to Exit Without Penalty
In a significant move to ease the burden on travelers overstaying in the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 30-day grace period for individuals holding expired visit visas. This new rule allows travelers to leave the country without facing any penalties, fines, or legal consequences, provided they exit within the designated time frame. This initiative, announced on July 26, 2025, aims to simplify the process for those who may have overstayed their visit visa in the Kingdom due to unforeseen circumstances or other reasons.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key details of the new rule, how it affects Indian and international travelers, and the steps you need to take to benefit from this grace period.
The New 30-Day Exit Period for Expired Visit Visas
Saudi Arabia has been implementing more flexible visa policies in recent years to encourage travel and business across the Kingdom. The most recent update, which applies to all visit visas — including tourist, family, and business visas — grants a 30-day grace period to travelers whose visas have expired. This rule applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas and offers a window for individuals to exit the Kingdom without penalties or facing legal repercussions.
This decision comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration system and attract tourists, business investors, and workers, while also ensuring those who stay beyond their visa expiry have a legal path to exit.
The grace period began on July 26, 2025, and is valid until August 25, 2025. During this time, visa holders will not face any fines or deportation proceedings if they exit the country within the 30-day window.
Who is Eligible for the 30-Day Grace Period?
The 30-day grace period applies to all individuals currently holding expired visit visas in Saudi Arabia. This includes:
- Tourist Visas – Those who have traveled to Saudi Arabia for tourism and whose visas have expired.
- Family Visit Visas – Visitors who came to the Kingdom for family-related purposes.
- Business Visas – Those who entered the Kingdom for business but have overstayed their visa.
If you are an individual with an expired visit visa in Saudi Arabia, you are eligible to exit the country within 30 days of the announcement (by August 25, 2025), without having to pay fines or penalties.
How to Exit Legally: Steps to Follow
If your visit visa has expired, here’s how you can exit the Kingdom during the 30-day grace period:
- Pay Any Outstanding Fees and Fines
- Before exiting, ensure that all due fees and fines are paid. This can be done through the SADAD payment system, a payment service for government transactions in Saudi Arabia.
- Apply for an Exit Permit
- You will need to apply for an Exit Permit through the Absher platform, which is available for both Saudi nationals and expatriates. You can also use the Tawasul service to submit a request for the final exit.
- Complete Your Exit Procedures
- Once your exit permit is approved, ensure all paperwork is finalized, and be ready to leave the country through any designated exit points such as airports, seaports, or land borders.
- Exit Before the Deadline
- The exit must take place within the 30-day grace period. Make sure to leave Saudi Arabia before August 25, 2025, to avoid any penalties.
The Risks of Overstaying Your Visa
Failure to leave the Kingdom within the 30-day window could lead to severe consequences, including:
- Fines Up to SAR 50,000 – Those who overstay will be fined a substantial amount.
- Bans on Re-entry – A multi-year re-entry ban may be imposed, preventing you from visiting Saudi Arabia for several years.
- Legal Actions – There could be legal actions, including detention or other penalties for those who remain after the grace period.
To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to act promptly and make use of the 30-day grace period.
Why This Change Matters for Visitors to Saudi Arabia
This new initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernizing its immigration system and fostering positive relationships with international visitors. It acknowledges that overstays can occur due to various reasons, and offers a practical solution by allowing travelers to exit legally without bearing the full burden of fines or legal consequences.
For business professionals, tourists, and families who need to return home or continue their travels, this grace period offers a much-needed window of opportunity. It also shows the Kingdom’s willingness to make immigration procedures more traveler-friendly and less punitive.
How This Will Benefit Indian Nationals and Other Expats
Indian nationals and other expatriates who have overstayed their visit visas in Saudi Arabia will greatly benefit from this new rule. With a large number of foreign workers in the Kingdom, this initiative will ensure that many expatriates can leave the country without the fear of facing fines or legal issues, which could be financially burdensome.
This initiative also provides expats with a clear path to legally depart the Kingdom, helping to avoid any unwanted complications while ensuring compliance with Saudi immigration laws.
Take Advantage of the 30-Day Grace Period
Saudi Arabia’s 30-day grace period for expired visit visa holders offers a welcome solution for visitors who need more time to leave the Kingdom. Whether you’re a business traveler, tourist, or family visitor, you now have the opportunity to exit Saudi Arabia legally and without penalties. Make sure to follow the steps outlined above, pay any outstanding fees, and apply for your exit permit promptly to avoid fines or a re-entry ban.
This is a significant step forward for Saudi Arabia, enhancing its position as a welcoming destination for international travelers while encouraging a more flexible and humane approach to immigration enforcement.
If you or someone you know is in this situation, don’t wait—take advantage of the grace period and leave the Kingdom before the deadline. And if you have any questions about the exit process or need further assistance, feel free to reach out in the comments section below!
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