Exit and Re-Entry Visa in Saudi Arabia: How to Apply

If you hold an iqama (residence permit) in Saudi Arabia and plan to travel abroad, you will need a valid exit and re-entry visa before you leave. It is the document that allows you to lawfully exit the Kingdom and return afterward without losing your residency. The good news is that the process is fully electronic — no queues, no passport sticker in most cases — and it can be completed in minutes through أبشر (for individuals) or مقيم (for establishments). This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the types of visas, the fees, how to apply, how to check status, and how to extend if your plans change.

Types of exit and re-entry visas

There are two main options, and choosing the right one depends on how often you expect to travel during a single trip window:

• Single exit and re-entry visa: lets you leave and return to Saudi Arabia one time. It is ideal for a single planned trip.
• Multiple exit and re-entry visa: allows several exits and returns within the visa's validity period — a better fit if you travel frequently for work or family reasons.

Fees

Government fees are set Keep in mind that the fee you pay is also tied to the remaining validity of your iqama, so the amount shown in the portal is the figure that applies to you:

• Single visa: SAR 200 for a period of up to two months, plus SAR 100 for each additional month.
• Multiple visa: SAR 500 for a period of up to three months, plus SAR 200 for each additional month.

Always confirm the exact amount displayed at checkout in أبشر or مقيم before paying, since the final figure depends on your chosen duration and your iqama's remaining validity.

Who applies and where

The channel you use depends on your situation:

• Dependents and domestic workers: the sponsor applies on their behalf through أبشر Individuals.
• Establishment employees: the visa is issued through the مقيم platform.

Before you start, make sure the following conditions are met: a valid iqama, a valid passport, the ability to pay the visa fee electronically, and no disqualifying traffic violations or unresolved restrictions on the record. Any outstanding issue can block issuance until it is cleared.

How to apply through Absher

For dependents and domestic workers, the steps in أبشر are straightforward:

• Log in to your أبشر Individuals account.
• Go to Services → Passports → Visa Services → Issue Exit/Re-Entry Visa.
• Select the person for whom the visa is being issued.
• Choose the visa type — single or multiple.
• Specify the duration you need.
• Pay the displayed government fee electronically.
• Confirm issuance.

The visa is issued electronically and linked to the traveler's records, so a passport sticker is generally not required. Establishments follow the equivalent flow inside مقيم.

Validity and the return-before date

A single visa can be issued for an initial period of up to two months, while a multiple visa can be issued for up to three months initially. The most important detail to watch is the exact return-before date shown in أبشر or مقيم — that date is what controls your return, not a general estimate. The person must return to the Kingdom while the visa is still valid; returning after the visa has expired can create complications with residency status.

Checking status and extending the visa

You can verify a visa's status and expiry at any time:

• Through أبشر under your account's visa services.
• Through the official مقيم visa-validity service.

If travel plans change while the person is already outside Saudi Arabia, an eligible visa may be extended electronically through أبشر. Additional fees apply for extensions, and the extension must be arranged before the current visa lapses. Always double-check the updated return-before date after any extension so there is no gap in coverage.

Quick tips before you travel

• Issue the visa a few days before departure to avoid last-minute problems.
• Confirm the return-before date and count backward to set a personal reminder.
• Clear any traffic fines or restrictions in advance, as they can block issuance.
• For frequent travel, a multiple visa often saves both time and money.

For the most accurate, up-to-date fees and rules, always rely on the figures shown to you inside أبشر or مقيم at the time of application.

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