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

If you hold an Iqama and plan to travel outside Saudi Arabia, you'll need an exit and re-entry visa to leave the Kingdom and return legally within your residency period. The good news is the whole process is now digital and can usually be completed in minutes. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج walks you through the visa types, the fees, the requirements, and the exact steps to apply—plus how to extend a visa if you're already abroad.

What is an exit and re-entry visa?

An exit and re-entry visa allows a resident (or a family member/domestic worker under a resident's sponsorship) to leave Saudi Arabia and return during the residency period. Without a valid one, you cannot travel out and come back on your existing Iqama. There are two main types:

• Single-exit/re-entry visa: lets you leave and return once, ideal for a single trip.
• Multiple-exit/re-entry visa: allows several trips within the visa's validity, better for frequent travellers.

Keep in mind the visa's validity can never exceed the time remaining on your Iqama.

Fees at a glance

The core fee schedule is straightforward, and no verified change to it has been identified for 2026:

• Single-exit/re-entry: SAR 200 for up to 2 months, plus SAR 100 for each additional month.
• Multiple-exit/re-entry: SAR 500 for up to 3 months, plus SAR 200 for each additional month.
• Extending while outside the Kingdom: the additional-month rate doubles—SAR 200

You may see other small processing amounts referenced in unofficial sources; always rely on the total shown on the payment screen in أبشر before you confirm, and treat any figure not displayed there as unconfirmed.

Requirements before you apply

To issue the visa smoothly, make sure the following are in order:

• A valid Iqama with enough remaining validity to cover the requested period.
• A valid passport.
• Payment of the visa fee.
• Settlement of any recorded traffic violations.
• No unresolved issue linked to a previously issued but unused visa.

If any of these are outstanding, the system will typically block issuance until they're resolved.

Where to apply

The channel depends on who's requesting and who's travelling:

• Residents: apply directly through أبشر Individuals.
• Employers: issue visas for staff via أبشر Business or مقيم.
• Family members and domestic workers: eligible dependents can be added through أبشر under the sponsor's account.

Step-by-step on Absher

Issuing the visa yourself through أبشر is quick once your account is active:

• Log in to your أبشر account.
• Go to My Services.
• Open Passports.
• Select Visa Services.
• Choose Issue Exit/Re-Entry Visa.
• Select the resident (yourself or a dependent).
• Pick single-entry or multiple-entry.
• Choose the duration.
• Review the details and complete payment.

The visa is issued electronically—there's no paper stamp to collect. You can verify its status and details anytime through the exit/re-entry visa-status service in أبشر.

Extending a visa from outside Saudi Arabia

If your plans change while you're abroad and your visa is about to expire, you can request an extension electronically through أبشر, provided the service conditions are met. Remember that extending from outside the Kingdom costs more: the additional-month rate is doubled compared with issuing inside the country. It's always safer to build in a buffer or extend before travelling if you anticipate a longer stay.

Practical tips

• Check your Iqama expiry first—the visa can't outlast it.
• Clear traffic fines before applying to avoid delays.
• Confirm the final amount on the payment screen rather than relying on estimates.
• Keep a copy of the electronic visa on your phone for the airport.
• For any specific fee, timing, or eligibility question, confirm directly on أبشر or مقيم.

With everything handled online, an exit and re-entry visa is one of the simpler bits of Saudi paperwork—do it a few days before you fly and you'll travel with peace of mind.

---

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