A 30-day grace period has been instituted by Saudi Arabia to provide visitors with expired visitation permits to lawfully stay in the kingdom and plan their departure. This temporary initiative, announced by the General Directorate of Passports, is designed to help visitors who have unintentionally overstayed due to travel disruptions, personal emergencies, or booking issues.
During the grace period, eligible visitors can exit Saudi Arabia without facing fines or restrictions. However, authorities emphasize that the policy applies only once per visitor and must be utilized within the specified timeframe. Overstaying beyond the grace period could still incur penalties and future entry bans.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline immigration procedures and support tourists and pilgrims navigating unexpected delays. It supports the larger Vision 2030 objectives to improve visitor-friendly regulations and make international travel easier.
Officials advise affected visitors to contact the nearest passport office or check the Absher platform to confirm eligibility and receive guidance on registration procedures. Travelers are also encouraged to finalize their departure plans quickly to avoid any issues after the grace period ends.
