The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has introduced new measures aimed at assisting individuals holding visas that have expired amid ongoing regional difficulties. This initiative is designed to support those who were unable to exit the Kingdom due to the prevailing circumstances, providing relief across various visa categories.
Specifically, the directive applies to all types of visit visas, including those for Umrah pilgrims, transit travelers, and final exit permits that have lapsed as of February 25, 2026. In a significant development, the ministry has authorized the extension of these expired visas upon request by the visitor’s host, with the extension period running until April 18, 2026. This process requires the payment of the legally mandated fees, which can be conveniently completed through the Absher platform, the Kingdom’s official e-services portal.
Meanwhile, for those visa holders whose permits expired on or before February 25, 2026, the ministry has allowed direct departure from Saudi Arabia through international exit points without the necessity of extending their visas or incurring any fees or late penalties. This provision aims to facilitate a smoother exit process for affected visitors and reduce administrative burdens during this period.
The Ministry of Interior has urged all beneficiaries of these new regulations to ensure their departure from the Kingdom before April 18, 2026. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in the enforcement of applicable legal measures against violators. This announcement reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to managing visa-related challenges compassionately while maintaining regulatory compliance amid complex regional dynamics.
