EN ES RU DE

Saudi Visa Extension

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. It is a country rich in history, culture, and tradition, and is home to many tourist attractions

The Kingdom offers various types of visas for visitors, including tourist visas, business visas, and Hajj and Umrah visas. However, it’s important to note that travellers holding a Saudi e-Visa are not eligible to extend their e-Visa.

Saudi Visa Extension

However, sometimes visitors may need to stay longer in the country than their visa allows. In such cases, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a visa extension service, which allows visitors to extend their stay in the country.

The visa extension service is available offline and online. Visitors can apply for a visa extension through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, or they can visit the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. The visa extension application process requires the applicant to submit:

Passport:

A copy of a valid passport with 2 blank pages for immigration purposes.

Current Visa:

A copy of their current visa

Extension Letter:

A letter explaining the reason for the extension.

Medical Insurance:

To extend a visa, visitors must have valid medical insurance that meets service requirements. The total extension period cannot exceed 180 days, and the visa holder must have entered Saudi Arabia on a valid single-entry family visit visa

Saudi Arabia offers a visa extension service for visitors who need to stay longer. Visitors should be aware of eligibility criteria, possible overstay penalties, and the required processing time and fees.

Pro Tip: Check if your visa type is eligible for extension before applying. Hajj and Umrah visas can’t be extended.

Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Visa Extension: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for extending the visit visa in Saudi Arabia, visitors must meet certain conditions, including:

  • The visa to be extended must be valid for a week or less.
  • The visitor must have no traffic violations logged against them.
  • The visitor must be present inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • The visitor's passport must be valid.
  • Payment of the visa extension fees is required.

The extension of the visit visa depends on the approval of the General Directorate of Passports. Eligible visitors can apply for an extension on the Absher platform or at the nearest Jawazat office

Extending the visit visa gives visitors more time to experience Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage. Visitors must follow all regulations and requirements during their stay.

Why Has Saudi Arabia Extended Visit and Transit Visa Validity?

The extension of visit and transit visas is expected to boost tourism in Saudi Arabia. The country has been developing its tourism industry, focusing on its historical and cultural sites

Extending visa validity supports these efforts and should encourage more visitors to explore Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage.

Important Note: Visitors must follow all Saudi regulations and have the correct visa. The extended validity of visit and transit visas gives travelers more time to enjoy the country, but all rules must still be followed during their stay.

How Long Is The Saudi Visit Visa valid?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a significant extension to the validity of the single-entry visit visa. The new scheme applies to all purposes for which the visa is issued and increases the validity period from 30 days to 3 months

This means that visitors to the country on a single-entry visit visa now have more time to explore and enjoy the many attractions that Saudi Arabia has to offer.

What Are the Rules for Extending Saudi Visit and Transit Visas?

The Saudi government has set specific conditions for extending family visit visas, both multiple-entry and single-entry. Visitors must adhere to these regulations to be eligible for an extension, and failure to do so may result in penalties or delays

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a visa extension service for visitors who need to stay longer in the country than their visa allows. Visitors should be aware of the eligibility criteria, potential penalties for overstay, and the processing time and fees involved

  • Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa Extension Rules:

    The Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that visitors with multiple-entry family visit visas must follow the Kingdom's departure rules to qualift for an extension. After 3 months, visa holders must leave the country before starting the extension process.If they do not comply, fines will be imposed 3 days after the visa expires.

  • Family Visit Visa Extension on Absher:

    Holders of a single-entry family visit visa can apply for an extension on the Absher platform, either individual or as a business. The extension request must be submitted with 7 days before the visa's expiry date, as long as all required conditions are met.

  • Transit Visa Extension:

    The transit visa now allows visitors 96 hours per visit with no extra fee. Its validity has been extended to 3 months. Giving travellers more flexibility and convenience when passing through the Kingdom en route to their final destination.

  • Saudi e-Visa:

    Visitors holding a Saudi e-Visa cannot extend their e-Visa.

Important Note: The visit and transit visas cannot be extended beyond a period of 180 days.

How Much Time Does It Require For Extending The Saudi visa?

It is important for visitors to note that they must fulfill all the conditions before submitting their visa extension application. Failure to do so may result in the application being rejected or delayed. Visitors should also be aware that the visa extension process can take several days or even weeks to complete, so it is advisable to apply for an extension well in advance of the visa expiry date.

How Does The Absher Platform Work?

The Absher platform provides a convenient and easy way for visitors to apply for a visa extension. The process involves creating an account on the platform and following the step-by-step instructions for the visa extension application

Applicants will need to provide certain documents, such as a copy of their passport and the original visa, as well as proof of valid medical insurance.

How Can You Extend Your Saudi Visa? A Step-by-Step Guide

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers both online and offline options for visitors who wish to extend their visit visas. This is to provide convenience and flexibility to visitors who require additional time to stay in the country.

  • Online Extension:

    To extend a visit visa online, visitors can log into their Absher account and follow the visa extension procedures. The applicant must meet the eligibility criteria for visa extension and pay the required visa extension fees.

  • Offline Extension:

    On the other hand, visitors can also extend their visit visas offline by visiting the nearest Jawazat office. The applicant must bring all the required documents, including a valid passport and payment for the visa extension fees.

The Saudi government has implemented these options to make the visa extension process more accessible and streamlined. Visitors can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences, depending on their location and availability.

Can You Extend Your Saudi Visa Online?

The Online Saudi visa extension lets travellers extend their stay in the Kingdom without visiting a Jawazat office, saving time and effort. This service makes the process fast and simple

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and pay the required fees to avoid problems or penalties.

  • Account Creation:

    To use the online Saudi visa extension service, visitors must first create an Absher account and log in. The Absher platform allows them to access a range of government services, including visa extensions. Once logged in, visitors can initiate the visa extension process by selecting the appropriate option and providing the required information.

  • Uploading Documents:

    Applicants must provide personal details, passport information, and previous visits to the Kingdom during the online application. They also need to upload supporting documents, including a copy of their passport and proof of medical insurance.

  • Paying The Fee:

    After submitting the application and paying the required fees, applicants can track their application status online. Once approved, the visitor's visa will be extended, and they can continue to stay in the country for the approved duration.

Overall, the online Saudi visa extension service is a valuable tool for visitors to Saudi Arabia who need to extend their visit visas. It offers greater flexibility and convenience, making the process of extending a visa simpler and more accessible.

Offline Saudi Visa Extension: How to Apply at the Embassy or Consulate?

For travellers who prefer to apply for a Saudi visa extension offline, the embassy or consulate is the best option. Visitors can visit the embassy or consulate in person to initiate the visa extension process.

  • Required Documents:

    To apply for an offline Saudi visa extension, visitors should first gather all required documents, including their passport and medical insurance. They should also ensure that their visa is eligible for an extension and that they meet all eligibility criteria.

  • Application Submission:

    Once at the embassy or consulate, visitors can complete the application form and provide all required documents. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Any errors or omissions may result in delays or issues with the visa extension process.

  • Fee Payment:

    After submitting the application and paying the required fees, visitors will be issued a receipt as proof of payment. They can then track the status of their visa extension application and collect their extended visa when it is ready.

The offline Saudi visa extension process may take longer than the online option, but it remains a good choice for travellers who want to apply in person. It lets visitors interact directly with embassy or consulate staff and may give peace of mind to those who prefer face-to-face communication.

Visitors can apply for a Saudi visa extension offline by visiting the embassy or consulate, completing an application form, providing required documents, paying the fees, and tracking the application status until the visa is ready for collection.

Checking the Status of Your Saudi Visa Extension: What You Need to Know

To check the status of a Saudi visa extension, visitors can follow these steps:

  • Log in to your Absher account: Visit the official website of Absher and enter your login credentials to access your account.
  • Click on “General Services” and then select “Passports”: Once you are logged in, navigate to the “General Services” section and select “Passports”.
  • Click on the “Tawasul” service: Within the Passports section, look for the “Tawasul” service and click on it.
  • Select “Inquire for Requests”: Under the Tawasul service, select “Inquire for Requests” to access your visa extension status.

By following these steps, visitors can easily check the status of their Saudi visa extension online. It is important to regularly check the status of the extension to ensure that there are no delays or issues with the process.

Visitors may also receive updates regarding their visa extension via SMS or email if they have provided their contact information during the application process.

Overall, the online method of checking visa extension status is convenient and accessible for travellers. It saves time and allows visitors to keep track of their application progress from the comfort of their own home.

Saudi Visa Extension Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Extend Your Stay in the Kingdom?

Visitors who want to extend their stay in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa must pay a SAR 100 (USD 26.59) extension fee. This applies to all visit visas, including family and tourist visas. The amount may vary based on visa type and length of extension

If a visitor applies for an extension more than three days after the visa expires, an extra fine of SAR 500 (USD 133) is charged, as required by Saudi visa rules.

To avoid extra fines, visitors should apply for an extension before their visa expires, meet all eligibility requirements, and have the needed documents ready. The fee is relatively low, and the process can be done online or offline

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia makes it easy for visitors to extend their stay, either online or in person. Meeting all requirements and applying before the visa expires helps avoid fines and ensures a smooth process. Travellers can enjoy more time exploring the country’s culture and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I do if my visa extension application is delayed or rejected?

    Contact the General Directorate of Passports or visit a Jawazat office for guidance if you face delays or rejection.

  • Can I apply for a Saudi visa extension at any embassy or consulate?

    Yes, you can apply at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate if you prefer an in-person process.

  • Can I extend my Saudi e-Visa online through Absher?
    No, Saudi e-Visas are not eligible for extension.
  • Can children and minors on a family visit visa be included in a group extension request?

    Yes, minors can be included in the extension process as long as all documents and requirements are met for each person.

9

To obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa

  • Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
  • Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
  • Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
Get eVisa to Saudi Arabia


Recent News