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

If you hold a valid Iqama and plan to travel outside Saudi Arabia and return, you'll need an exit and re-entry visa. This is a standard, mostly digital process handled through official Saudi e‑channels. In this guide, Saudi Living walks you through the visa types, the government fees, how validity is counted, what happens if you overstay abroad, and the practical steps to apply. Note that a few specific penalties can vary by case, so always confirm the latest details on the relevant official Saudi portal before you book your ticket.

Who needs an exit and re-entry visa

An exit and re-entry visa applies only to residents who hold a valid Iqama and want to leave the Kingdom temporarily while keeping their residency intact. The key rule to remember: the visa's validity can never extend beyond your Iqama's expiry date. If your Iqama is close to expiring, renew it first so your travel window isn't cut short.

Types of exit and re-entry visas

There are two main options, and choosing the right one depends on how many trips you plan to make:

• Single exit/re-entry: For one trip out and one return. Base validity is up to 2 calendar months.
• Multiple exit/re-entry: For several trips within one period. Base validity is up to 3 calendar months.

In both cases, the visa cannot outlast your Iqama, regardless of the maximum period allowed.

Government fees (unchanged through 2026)

The base government fees are fixed and straightforward:

• Single exit/re-entry: 200 SAR for up to 2 months.
• Each additional month (single, while inside the Kingdom): 100 SAR, counted in full months or part thereof.
• Multiple exit/re-entry: 500 SAR for up to 3 months.
• Each additional month (multiple, while inside the Kingdom): 200 SAR, counted in full months or part thereof.

All exit and re-entry visa fees are non-refundable, even if you later cancel the visa or don't travel at all.

Platform service fees (introduced 2025)

On top of the government base fee, a platform service fee now applies to certain transactions handled through the official e‑channels:

• Exit/re-entry visa extension: 103.50 SAR service fee in addition to the government base/extension fee.
• Final exit visa transaction: 70.00 SAR service fee.
• There is no separate platform fee just to view or check your visa status.

How validity and months are counted

Understanding the month calculation helps you avoid overpaying or under-booking:

• Single exit/re-entry: base validity up to 2 calendar months.
• Multiple exit/re-entry: base validity up to 3 calendar months.
• For fee purposes, 1–30 days counts as one additional month, 31–60 days as two months, and so on.
• Neither visa type can exceed your Iqama validity.

Crucially, the visa becomes invalid if your Iqama expires while you're abroad — unless the Iqama is renewed and the visa extended through the official channels.

Extending your visa from abroad

If you need more time while outside the Kingdom, extensions are possible but cost more than in-Kingdom monthly extensions — effectively double:

• Single exit/re-entry extension from abroad: 200 SAR.
• Multiple exit/re-entry extension from abroad: 400 SAR.

Remember to add the applicable platform service fee for extension transactions. Handle any extension before the current visa expires.

Overstaying abroad: what to expect

If you stay outside Saudi Arabia beyond your exit and re-entry visa expiry, the visa is typically cancelled. You may then need to obtain a new visa and, in some cases, face fines or a temporary ban. Some guidance notes an overstay financial penalty that may be payable before Iqama renewal or re-entry, but exact penalties are applied individually and can vary. Because these outcomes differ case by case, confirm your specific situation on the relevant official Saudi portal.

How to apply, step by step

• Confirm your Iqama is valid and won't expire during your travel window.
• Log in to your account on the official government e‑channel (individuals or, for sponsored workers, the sponsor may process it).
• Choose the visa type — single or multiple — and the required duration.
• Review the fees, pay online, and confirm the transaction.
• Save or print the issued visa before you travel.

Because rules and figures can be updated, always double-check the latest fees and requirements on the official Saudi portals before booking your flight.

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