Overstayed in Saudi Arabia? 30-Day Grace Period Offers Safe Exit Without Penalty

Saudi Arabia Launches 30-Day Grace Period for Overstayers

Saudi Arabia has announced a crucial 30-day grace period for visitors whose visas have expired, allowing them to legalise their stay and leave the Kingdom without facing steep fines or future travel bans.

Kicking off on June 27, 2025 (Muharram 1, 1447 AH), the initiative underscores the Kingdom’s focus on balancing legal compliance with compassion for travellers who may have unintentionally overstayed.

This measure, introduced by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), could significantly impact travel agents, visa consultants, and businesses managing clients in the Gulf region.

Who Can Benefit from the Grace Period?

The amnesty applies broadly to visitors holding any category of visit visa—family, tourist, business, or others—that has expired.

To qualify for penalty-free departure, individuals must:

◉ Pay any applicable fines and administrative fees.
◉ Submit a request via the Tawasul service on Saudi Arabia’s Absher electronic platform.
◉ Complete all formalities within the 30-day window.

Pro Tip for Agents: Encourage clients to act early to avoid a last-minute rush on the Absher system.

Why Saudi Arabia is Offering This Grace Period

The announcement follows reminders issued during the recent Hajj season, emphasising the importance of respecting visa validity dates. Saudi authorities highlighted that overstaying not only disrupts public order but also undermines the spiritual significance of religious journeys for many visitors.

By introducing this grace period, the Kingdom aims to maintain strict border control while extending a practical solution to travellers caught in overstaying situations.

Penalties for Overstaying a Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia

Failure to use the grace period can expose travellers—and sometimes their sponsors—to harsh penalties, including:

• First Offence: Fine up to SAR 15,000 (~USD 4,000)

• Second Offence: Fine of SAR 25,000, plus deportation

• Third Offence: Fine of SAR 50,000, deportation, and a travel ban preventing re-entry

Even short overstays can trigger penalties, making it crucial for visitors and their sponsors to act swiftly.

Additional Consequences Beyond Fines

Overstaying can cause broader repercussions, such as:

• Possible detention during inspections

• Blacklisting for future Saudi visa approvals

• Restrictions on employers or sponsors

• Negative effects on GCC region travel records

• Complications for family members under dependent visas

For B2B travel professionals, these consequences highlight the critical need to educate clients on compliance.

How to Regularise Status via Absher

Travellers seeking to exit without penalty should follow these steps:

• Log in to the Absher portal.

• Access the Tawasul service and submit a visa extension or exit request.

• Settle any fines or fees electronically.

• Wait for notification of approval.

• Book departure flights and ensure all personal documents are current.

Key Note for Agents: Double-check clients’ passports for validity and ensure no unresolved legal matters remain before departure.

FAQs: Navigating the Grace Period

Q1: Who qualifies for the grace period?

All visitors with expired visit visas of any type can apply between June 27 and the end of the 30-day window.

Q2: How are payments processed?

All fines and fees must be settled via Absher’s electronic payment services.

Q3: What if a traveller misses the grace period?

They could face fines, deportation, and potential bans on re-entering Saudi Arabia.

Q4: Can I apply even after overstaying?

Yes, but all outstanding fines must be cleared through Absher first.

Q5: Are sponsors at risk if someone overstays?

Yes—sponsors can face penalties, investigation, and possible blacklisting from future sponsorship privileges.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s grace period is a valuable lifeline for visitors who overstayed, allowing them to resolve their status without enduring the harsh consequences typical for immigration violations.

For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and visa consultants, now is the time to proactively inform clients, assist with Absher procedures, and help ensure smooth departures from the Kingdom.

Ignoring the grace period could jeopardise future travel opportunities and lead to significant financial penalties.

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