90-Day Stay Limit for GCC Cars in Saudi Arabia

New regulations will limit privately owned GCC-registered vehicles to a maximum of 90 days total inside Saudi Arabia within any 365-day period, whether the days are consecutive or split across several visits. The rules take effect on 26 August 2026 and apply to vehicles owned or driven by Saudi citizens or residents, including those driving under an official power of attorney.

The 365-day window starts from the exact date and time a vehicle enters through a Saudi customs port and rolls forward from that first entry. Rental cars from licensed GCC rental companies are exempt from the 90-day stay limit.

Extensions and grace period

Owners or authorized drivers may request an extension from the Ministry of Interior before the 90-day limit expires. Current details reference a single extension of up to 30 days, with the service expected to be offered electronically through a Ministry of Interior platform planned to be available via Absher. Valid vehicle registration and insurance are required to request the extension.

Vehicles already inside the Kingdom before 26 August 2026 will have a grace period from that date until 23 November 2026 to regularize their status, either by exiting the country or by permanently importing the vehicle and registering it on Saudi plates.

Penalties and permanent registration

Exceeding the permitted stay without an approved extension is treated as a traffic violation under Article 68(5) of the Saudi Traffic Law. Current guidance indicates fines between 1,000 and 2,000 SAR, with possible vehicle impoundment along with towing and storage costs.

For vehicles that will remain long term, owners must complete permanent import procedures and register the vehicle to obtain Saudi license plates. Import and customs steps are handled through the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, while registration and plates are issued by the General Directorate of Traffic. Entry and stay tracking is tied to customs port records, so residents planning frequent cross-border trips should keep close watch on their accumulated days.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving