Saudi Arabia Launches 30-Day Grace Period for Expired Visit Visas to Ease Departures and Strengthen Tourism Protocols
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 1, 2025 – In a strategic and humanitarian gesture coinciding with the Islamic New Year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a 30-day grace period for individuals holding expired visit visas. Effective from June 26, 2025 (1 Muharram 1447 AH), the initiative offers a lifeline to tourists, business visitors, and family guests whose visa validity has lapsed, allowing them to exit the country without incurring penalties or facing travel bans.
This temporary visa amnesty, accessible via the Ministry of Interior’s Absher electronic platform through the Tawasul service, provides a clear process for regularizing one’s immigration status, avoiding fines, and arranging a lawful departure from the Kingdom.
Key Provisions of the Grace Period
The Saudi government’s decision applies to a broad range of visit visa holders, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Effective Date: June 26, 2025 (Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1447 AH)
- Duration: 30 consecutive days
- Eligible Visa Types: Tourist visas, family visit visas, business visit visas
- Application Method: Submission of request via the Tawasul service on the Absher platform
- Requirements: Payment of all outstanding fines and administrative fees before exit
This effort reflects the Saudi government’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030 to enhance the Kingdom’s image as a welcoming and accessible global tourism destination. By addressing visa overstays in a structured and non-punitive manner, authorities are demonstrating commitment to traveler-friendly policies.
How to Apply for the Grace Period
The process to benefit from this policy is streamlined and fully digital:
- Log into Absher: Visit the official Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform and sign in with your credentials.
- Navigate to Tawasul: Use the Tawasul e-service to submit a formal request for an exit visa extension under the new grace period guidelines.
- Clear Dues: Pay all applicable fines for overstaying, if any, through the same platform or designated payment channels.
- Book Your Departure: Once approved, visitors must exit the Kingdom within the grace window to avoid enforcement actions.
The Absher platform is available in English and Arabic, with user support provided through customer service centers and airport kiosks in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Why This Grace Period Matters
Saudi Arabia has steadily grown its visitor base since the launch of its tourism visa program in 2019. With millions traveling annually for Umrah, business forums, exhibitions, and desert tourism, the number of short-stay visitors has surged. In this context, the 30-day grace period is not just a legal relief but a reassurance of goodwill to international guests.
Tourism analysts see this move as a nod to the Kingdom’s evolving approach to visa enforcement—less punitive, more procedural, and increasingly aligned with international hospitality standards. It also coincides with peak seasonal returns from the Hajj and Eid holidays, when thousands of travelers extend their stays.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
While the grace period is generous, failure to comply comes with consequences. Visitors must act promptly, or they may face:
- Hefty fines for each day of overstay beyond the grace period
- Forced deportation under the Kingdom’s immigration enforcement protocol
- Entry bans for future visits, impacting pilgrimage eligibility or business activities
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated that the deadline is non-extendable and will be strictly enforced starting July 26, 2025.
Boosting Travel Confidence Amid Tightening Global Visa Rules
Globally, countries are tightening border controls and imposing strict penalties on visa overstays. Saudi Arabia’s approach stands out as an example of balance between security and hospitality. By offering a structured exit route for expired visit visa holders, the Kingdom is likely to boost confidence among future travelers who may now view Saudi Arabia as a more understanding and accessible destination.
In line with Vision 2030, this policy may also improve Saudi Arabia’s standing in global tourism competitiveness indexes, particularly in categories such as visitor facilitation and ease of travel regulations.
What This Means for Tourism and Business Visitors
Whether in the Kingdom for leisure, family reunions, or high-level trade summits, visitors can now plan their departures with clarity and without fear. The move is especially relevant for Indian, Pakistani, Egyptian, and Southeast Asian travelers—groups that form the bulk of Saudi’s short-stay tourism and business visitors.
Increased flexibility also complements upcoming projects like Riyadh Season, NEOM developments, and Red Sea coastal retreats—all key attractions in Saudi’s tourism growth narrative.
Conclusion: A Progressive Step Toward Global Tourism Norms
Saudi Arabia’s 30-day grace period for expired visit visas marks a pivotal moment in its administrative evolution. By blending compassion with order, the Kingdom is taking a crucial step toward aligning with global best practices in tourism and immigration.
Visitors currently in the Kingdom are advised to act immediately by logging into Absher and starting their exit process. The gesture, while limited in time, reflects a long-term strategy of making Saudi Arabia not only a destination of religious and cultural significance but also one of administrative transparency and traveler respect.
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