90-Day Limit for GCC Vehicles in Saudi from Aug 2026

Saudi Arabia will apply a 90-day annual stay limit for privately owned GCC-registered vehicles inside the Kingdom starting 26 August 2026. The rule affects cars registered in other GCC states that are owned or driven by Saudi citizens, non-GCC residents, or anyone officially authorised to drive them.

Under the new system, each vehicle may remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days within any 365-day period. The days can be consecutive or split across multiple visits, with the total tracked Counting begins from the date and time the vehicle first enters through a Saudi customs port, based on recorded entry and exit data for both the vehicle and the driver.

Vehicles already inside the Kingdom before 26 August 2026 will be granted a 90-day grace period, running from 26 August to 23 November 2026, to regularise their status. During this window, owners or authorised drivers must either take the vehicle out of Saudi Arabia or complete permanent import and registration to obtain Saudi licence plates.

Extensions and permanent import

Drivers may request a single extension of up to 30 additional days, but the request must be submitted before the initial 90-day allowance expires. Extensions are not automatic and are assessed under procedures set by the Ministry of Interior. Where granted, the extra 30 days are counted from the end of the original permitted stay.

Owners who prefer to keep their vehicle in the Kingdom can permanently import and register it to obtain Saudi licence plates. This must follow Saudi customs and traffic regulations, including applicable import duties, registration fees, and technical inspection requirements. Vehicles rented from licensed companies in GCC countries are exempt from the 90-day limit.

Vehicles that stay beyond the permitted period, including any approved extension, will be treated as violations under the Saudi traffic system and subject to overstay fines. The measure gives residents and citizens who regularly bring GCC-plated cars across the border a clear timeline to plan their trips or regularise their vehicles.

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