Overstayed in Saudi Arabia? 30-Day Grace Period Lets You Exit Without Penalty

In a significant move to mark the Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 30-day grace period for visitors with expired visit visas. Starting June 27, 2025 (Muharram 1, 1447 AH), the initiative allows travellers to apply for an extension and make their final exit without incurring further violations.

The new policy was announced by Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) as a one-time opportunity for people currently overstaying their visit visas to regularise their status through proper channels.

Who Can Apply for the Grace Period?

The extension applies to all categories of visit visas, regardless of their type or name. Whether you’re in the Kingdom on a family visit visa, tourist visa, or business visit visa, this initiative is open to you if your visa has expired.

To benefit from the program, applicants must:

• Pay any applicable fines and fees.
• Submit the request through the Tawasul service on the Absher electronic platform.
• Ensure their application is submitted within the 30-day window.

Tip: Visit the Ministry of Interior’s Absher portal early to avoid delays, especially if you’re applying close to the deadline.

Why Now? Hajj Season Reminder and Legal Responsibility

This move comes shortly after the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reminded pilgrims that staying beyond your visa validity is not just illegal, but disrespectful to the Kingdom’s laws and the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

Officials stress that the initiative aligns with the country’s efforts to maintain security and legal order, while also offering compassion to those who may have unintentionally overstayed.

What Happens If You Overstay a Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia?

Overstaying your visit visa in Saudi Arabia can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, especially if you fail to act during the grace period.

Here’s what you could face:

🛑 Penalties for Overstaying:

• First-time offenders: Fines up to SAR 15,000 (approx. $4,000)
• Second-time offence: Fines of SAR 25,000, plus deportation
• Third-time offence: Fines of SAR 50,000, deportation, and travel ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia

These penalties apply even if you’re just a few days late, and they increase sharply with repeated violations.

🚫 Additional Consequences Include:

• Detention or arrest during routine inspections
• Blacklisting from future visa approvals
• Employer or sponsor bans if they’re found complicit
• Legal complications for accompanying dependents or family members

Ignoring Saudi visa laws can also affect your travel records in other GCC countries.

How to Extend and Exit Legally Through Absher

Here’s a quick step-by-step to regularise your stay and exit without complications:

1. Log in to the Absher platform
2. Use the Tawasul service to submit an extension request
3. Pay the required fines and fees online
4. Await notification and proceed with booking your exit flight

Make sure your passport is valid and you have no pending legal issues that might block your exit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the 30-day grace period?

All visitors with expired visit visas, regardless of visa type, are eligible for the grace period starting June 27, 2025.

2. How do I pay my outstanding fines or fees?

Payments must be made through the Absher platform as part of the extension application process.

3. What if I miss the 30-day grace period?

Missing the grace period may result in fines, deportation, and a possible travel ban.

4. Can I apply for a visa extension if I have already overstayed?

Yes, but you must settle all fines and submit your request through the Tawasul service on Absher.

5. What happens to my sponsor if I overstay?

Sponsors may face fines, questioning, or even blacklisting from future sponsorships if their sponsored visitors overstay.

6. What documents do I need to apply for?

You’ll need your Iqama or border number, passport copy, and access to Absher. Additional documentation may be requested based on your visa type.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s new grace period initiative is a welcome opportunity for travellers with expired visit visas to exit the Kingdom legally and avoid harsh penalties. With a 30-day window starting June 27, 2025, this is the time to act swiftly and responsibly.

Ignoring visa rules not only carries heavy fines but also puts your future travel opportunities at risk. Take advantage of this initiative, use Absher’s Tawasul service, and ensure a trouble-free exit from Saudi Arabia.