Starting 26 June 2025, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has
introduced a groundbreaking initiative offering a 30-day grace period for individuals
holding expired visit visas. This new policy provides a legal “exit ramp” for travelers to
regularize their status and depart the Kingdom without facing penalties, fines, or future
entry bans. The deadline for this initiative has now been extended to 25 August 2025,
offering additional time for compliance.
This progressive move reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a more humane
and practical approach to immigration. It addresses the challenges faced by visitors who
may have encountered unexpected delays due to flight suspensions, regional instability,
or personal emergencies. By offering a grace period, the Kingdom ensures that travelers
can exit legally, avoiding the severe legal and financial consequences typically associated
with visa overstays.
Key Features of the New Policy
1. 30-Day Grace Period:
Visitors on expired visit visas—whether for tourism,
family, or business purposes—now have 30 days from the visa expiry date to
depart Saudi Arabia without penalties.
2. Final Exit Only:
This grace period is strictly for departure purposes and cannot
be used to extend the stay or apply for a new visa while in the country.
3. Clear Compliance Process:
Travelers must settle all applicable fines and
administrative fees and initiate the exit request through the Absher
platform using the Tawasul service provided by the Ministry of Interior.
Why This Matters
In a region where visa overstays can lead to significant consequences, this initiative is a
welcome relief for travelers and businesses alike. It not only alleviates the stress of
unexpected delays but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline and digitize
immigration procedures. Platforms like Absher have made compliance more accessible
and transparent, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors.
Implications for Businesses and Travelers
Companies with foreign visitors in Saudi Arabia should act promptly to identify
individuals who may benefit from this policy. Business travelers, family visitors, and
tourists with expired visas must be informed of the new deadline and supported in
completing the required exit procedures. Timely action will help avoid fines, entry bans,
or other immigration penalties.
How Crossway Global Can Help
At Crossway Global, we specialize in providing expert guidance on Saudi Arabia’s
immigration policies and their implications for businesses and employees. Our team is
closely monitoring developments in the Kingdom and can assist you in navigating these
changes effectively. Whether you need compliance assessments, policy updates, or
support with exit procedures, we are here to ensure your business and employees
remain compliant with the latest visa regulations.
