Effective 26 June 2025, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (“Jawazat”) launched a new initiative offering a 30-days grace period for holders of expired visit visas to regularise their status and exit the kingdom legally.
This initiative allows a legal “exit ramp” rather than immediate punishment. It is helpful for those whose visas expired unexpectedly or were unable to depart on time.
The new 30-day grace period provides a vital window for individuals on expired Saudi visit visas to exit the country legally without facing penalties, fines, or future entry bans.
In a region where visa over-stays can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, this initiative reflects a more humane and practical approach. It accommodates visitors who may have faced unexpected delays due to flight suspensions, regional instability, or personal emergencies.
It also helps embassies and consulates coordinate safe departures, especially during periods of limited mobility or crisis. On a broader level, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain clear, digitised immigration procedures through platforms like Absher, making compliance more accessible and transparent.
Starting 26 June 2025, visitors in Saudi Arabia holding expired visit visas – whether for tourism, family, or business purposes – are now eligible for a 30-day grace period to exit the kingdom without incurring over-stay penalties.1
Previously, over-staying a visit visa could result in fines, legal repercussions, or future entry bans. Under the new initiative, visitors will have a 30-day window from the visa expiry date to regularise their status for final departure only. This period cannot be used to extend the stay or apply for a new visa while still in the country.
To complete the departure process, travellers 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.2
Key Considerations for Visitors
KPMG Middle East will monitor developments and endeavour to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed as developments occur.
Organisations with individuals on Saudi visit visas with questions or concerns are advised to contact the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), their usual immigration advisers, or a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in the Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
1 According to an Alert (in Arabic) on the official social media pages of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat): See: الجوازات السعودية (@AljawazatKSA) / X , الجوازات السعودية (@aljawazatksa) • صور ومقاطع فيديو على Instagram. Please note that by clicking on this link you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
2 Ibid.
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2025 KPMG Lower Gulf Limited, KPMG LLP and KPMG LLC, licensed in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman, and member firms of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
