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

If you hold a valid iqama and plan to travel abroad, you cannot simply leave and come back — you need an exit and re-entry visa first. This document confirms that you are permitted to leave Saudi Arabia and return while keeping your residency status intact. In this guide, Saudi Living walks you through the two visa types, current fees, validity periods, and how to apply through أبشر, so your trip goes smoothly.

Who is eligible

Exit and re-entry visas are issued only to residents who hold a valid iqama. A key rule to remember: your iqama must remain valid for the entire requested visa period. If your iqama is close to expiring, renew it first, otherwise the system will limit or reject your requested duration.

• You must have an active, valid iqama.
• The visa can only extend up to your iqama expiry date.
• For sponsored dependents, the request is typically made by the head of the family or the sponsor.

Single vs multiple exit and re-entry visa

There are two options, and choosing correctly saves you money and hassle.

• Single exit and re-entry: Valid for 2 months by default and allows one departure and one return. Once you use it to re-enter the Kingdom, it cannot be reused. Best for a one-off trip.
• Multiple exit and re-entry: Base validity of 3 months, allowing unlimited exits and entries while valid. Employers may request longer periods such as 6 or up to 12 months, subject to iqama validity and Jawazat rules. Best for frequent travelers.

Fees for 2026

The core government fees are as follows. Note that fees are non-refundable once the visa is issued, so confirm your dates before you pay.

• Single visa: 200 ريال سعودي for the first 2 months (60 days).
• Multiple visa: 500 ريال سعودي for the first 3 months (90 days). The same 500 fee applies whether issued for 3 or 6 months.
• Additional month (single, from inside the Kingdom): 100 ريال سعودي up to iqama expiry.
• Additional month (multiple, from inside the Kingdom): 200 ريال سعودي up to iqama expiry.
• Extensions requested from outside the Kingdom: higher rates apply (200–400 ريال سعودي depending on the type and duration).
• أبشر extension transaction fee: around 103.50 ريال سعودي.

Because fees can change, always confirm the final amount on أبشر before you submit.

How to apply through Absher

The fastest route is through your أبشر account. The general steps are:

• Log in to أبشر and verify your identity via نفاذ if prompted.
• Go to the services section and select the exit and re-entry visa service.
• Choose the person (yourself or a dependent), then select single or multiple.
• Set the start date and duration — check the fee shown before confirming.
• Pay the government fee (usually via SADAD or a linked payment method) and issue the visa.
• Download or save the visa; it is linked electronically to your iqama, but keep a copy while traveling.

Employees on a company sponsorship may find the request handled by the employer through the relevant government portal rather than a personal أبشر account.

Validity, extensions, and important timing

Understanding when the clock starts is essential:

• Depending on how the visa is configured, validity may count from the date of issuance or from the date of departure. Fixed 60/90/120-day durations generally start from your actual travel date.
• A single visa can be extended month by month, up to your iqama expiry — a practical maximum of around 6 months with paid extensions.
• A multiple visa can cover unlimited trips within its valid window.
• Always ensure you return before the visa expires, otherwise your residency status may be affected.

Final exit vs re-entry

Do not confuse the two. A re-entry visa is for a temporary trip with the intention to return. A final exit visa is for leaving permanently and closing your residency — it carries a separate processing fee (around 70 ريال سعودي) and cancels your iqama once used. Choose the wrong one and you could end up unable to return, so double-check before submitting.

Quick tips before you travel

• Renew your iqama first if it expires soon — it caps your visa duration.
• Match the visa duration to your actual travel plans to avoid paying for extra months.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of the visa.
• Confirm all fees on أبشر at the time of applying, as figures can be updated.

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