Overstayed your visit visa in Saudi Arabia? A 30-day grace period starting June 27, 2025, lets you regularize your status and exit without penalties. Learn how to apply, who qualifies, and why acting fast matters

In a landmark decision to mark the Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 30-day grace period, beginning June 27, 2025 (Muharram 1, 1447 AH). This allows foreign visitors whose visit visas have expired to legalize their stay and exit the Kingdom without penalties. The initiative, announced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), aims to ease the burden on overstaying travelers and encourage lawful departure.

This is a one-time opportunity – and the clock is ticking. Read on to learn more about the requirements and how to apply.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Who Is Eligible for the Grace Period?

The grace period is available to all types of visit visas, including:

- Family visit visas

- Tourist visas

- Business visit visas

If your visa has expired before or on June 27, 2025, you are eligible to apply — regardless of the visa's original category.

How to Apply Through Absher: Step-by-Step Guide

To regularize your stay and exit the country legally, follow these steps using the Absher platform:

Step 1 – Log in to your Absher account (available via the Ministry of Interior's portal).

Step 2 – Go to the Tawasul service.

Step 3 – Submit an extension request clearly stating your visa status.

Step 4 – Pay all applicable fines and fees online.

Step 5 – Wait for approval and book your exit flight.

Step 6 – Ensure your passport is valid and you have no legal blocks before departure.

Tip: Don’t wait until the final days. Absher traffic can get heavy close to the deadline.

What Documents Do You Need?

When applying, prepare the following:

- Passport copy.

- Iqama or border number (if applicable).

- Access to your Absher account.

- Any other documents requested, depending on your visa type.

- Have everything ready to ensure a smooth process.

Why Now? Hajj Season and Legal Responsibility

The initiative coincides with the Hajj season – a time of spiritual reflection and respect for the Kingdom's laws. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently reminded all pilgrims and visitors that overstaying is illegal and disrespectful. The new policy is seen as both an act of compassion and a commitment to security and legal order.

What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa?

Failure to act during the grace period can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

Overstay Penalties Include:

- First offense: SAR 15,000 fine (approx. $4,000)

- Second offense: SAR 25,000 fine + deportation

- Third offense: SAR 50,000 fine + deportation + travel ban

Even a few days of overstay can trigger penalties, which escalate rapidly if repeated.

Additional Consequences

- Detention during routine inspections.

- Blacklisting from future visa approvals.

- Legal action against your sponsor.

- Travel bans affecting other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

- Complications for family members or dependents.

- The longer you wait, the more serious it becomes.

What Happens to My Sponsor?

If you’re under a sponsor (such as an employer or family host), they may also be held accountable. Sponsors could face:

- Fines

- Legal questioning

- Temporary or permanent ban from future sponsorships

The responsibility lies with both the visitor and their sponsor to comply with Saudi regulations.

Can You Still Apply If You Already Overstayed?

Yes – the grace period specifically targets overstayers. As long as you:

- Pay any fines.

- Submit your request via Tawasul. 

Act within the 30-day window, you can avoid further penalties and leave Saudi Arabia legally.

What If You Miss the Grace Period?

If you do not act before July 26, 2025, you risk:

- Heavy fines

- Deportation

- A ban from returning to Saudi Arabia

Don’t let this opportunity pass — once the deadline ends, so does your chance to exit without long-term consequences.

Saudi Arabia’s 30-day grace period is a rare and time-sensitive opportunity to correct your visa overstay without long-term consequences. Whether you overstayed unintentionally or due to circumstances out of your control, this initiative offers a legal and compassionate way out.

Use the Absher portal, submit your request, and exit the Kingdom before July 26, 2025.

 Failure to comply could impact your ability to travel across the Gulf and beyond.

Need Help? Talk to a Migration Lawyer

Unsure how to apply or settle fines? Our legal experts can help you use the 30-day grace period correctly and avoid penalties.

Get legal advice now and exit Saudi Arabia without issues.

Reminder! Saudi citizens can get visa-free access to the EU Schengen zone. We have already told you what entry rules are relevant now and what will change in the future for Saudi tourists.