If you hold an Iqama and plan to travel outside Saudi Arabia and then return, you need a valid exit and re-entry visa before you leave. This single permit lets you exit the Kingdom and come back within an approved period without cancelling your residency. In this guide from سعودي ليفنج, we explain the difference between single and multiple visas, the current fee structure, and the exact steps to apply through أبشر or مقيم.
Single vs. Multiple Exit and Re-Entry Visa
There are two main types, and choosing the right one depends on how often you expect to travel during the validity window.
- Single exit/re-entry visa: allows one trip out of the Kingdom and one return. Best for a single planned journey.
- Multiple exit/re-entry visa: allows several exits and returns within the approved period. More convenient and cost-effective for frequent travellers.
In both cases the visa's validity is tied to the issued period and to your Iqama expiry date. The permit can never extend beyond your Iqama validity, so make sure your residency has enough remaining time before you apply.
Fees You Should Know
The published fee structure is straightforward, and the same pattern has continued through 2026 with no change shown:
- Single visa: SAR 200 for up to 2 months, then SAR 100 for each additional month spent inside the Kingdom before travel.
- Multiple visa: SAR 500 base fee for the initial period (commonly up to 3 months), then SAR 200 for each additional month inside the Kingdom.
- Extending from outside Saudi Arabia: costs more — SAR 200 and SAR 400
Because extending while abroad is more expensive, it is usually smarter to request a slightly longer period before you leave. Always confirm the exact amount shown at the payment screen, as fees are calculated based on your specific dates.
How to Apply Through أبشر (Individuals)
If you are eligible to issue your own exit and re-entry visa, or you are issuing one for a family member or domestic worker under your file, you can do it directly on أبشر:
- Log in to your أبشر account.
- Open My Services.
- Choose Passports.
- Select Visa Requests.
- Create a new Exit/Re-entry Visa request.
- Enter the return period and select single or multiple.
- Review and confirm the details.
- Pay the fee electronically.
Once payment is completed, the visa is issued and linked to your record. You can view and print the visa slip from the same service.
How to Apply Through مقيم (Employers/Sponsors)
When the visa is issued by a sponsor or employer for a worker, the process runs through مقيم:
- The sponsor logs in to مقيم.
- Open Electronic Transactions.
- Select Electronic Exit Re-Entry Visa.
- Enter the worker's Iqama details and the travel period.
- Verify the dates carefully.
- Issue the visa and complete the electronic payment.
Payment for both channels is made electronically through the Saudi government payment system used for these services.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Check your Iqama expiry first. The visa cannot outlast your residency, so renew the Iqama if it is close to expiring.
- Match the period to your real plans. Add a buffer so you are not forced into a more expensive extension from abroad.
- Choose multiple if you travel often. The higher base fee usually pays off over several trips.
- Confirm before departure. Verify the visa is active and the dates are correct before you reach the airport.
- Keep records. Save or print the visa confirmation for reference.
For the latest fees and any procedural updates, always confirm through the official government portals — أبشر for individuals and مقيم for sponsor-issued cases — since those are the authoritative sources for your specific case.
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