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

If you hold an iqama and want to travel abroad and return to Saudi Arabia while your residency is still active, you'll need an exit and re-entry visa. It's a straightforward electronic process today, but the details—single versus multiple trips, fees, validity windows, and how each ties back to your iqama—matter a great deal. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through everything you need to apply confidently and avoid costly mistakes.

Single vs. multiple exit and re-entry visas

There are two main types, and choosing the right one depends on how often you plan to travel during a given period.

• Single exit and re-entry: Base fee of SAR 200, valid for up to 2 months. This lets you leave and return once within the validity window—ideal for a one-off trip.
• Multiple exit and re-entry: Base fee of SAR 500, valid for up to 3 months. This allows unlimited trips in and out during the validity period—better value if you travel frequently.

Whichever type you pick, the visa can never exceed your iqama validity. Both are extendable month-by-month, but only up to your iqama's expiry date.

Fees, service charges, and extensions

Beyond the base visa fee, an Absher service/processing charge of SAR 103.50 applies to each application or extension. Keep the extension costs in mind before you travel:

• Single visa extension inside the Kingdom: SAR 100 within iqama validity.
• Single visa extension from abroad: commonly SAR 200 per additional month (sometimes higher; confirm your employer's setup).
• Multiple visa extension inside the Kingdom: SAR 200 within iqama validity.
• Multiple visa extension from abroad: around SAR 400

For reference, a final exit visa transaction carries a lower service fee of SAR 70.00 in the same schedule. Fees can be revised, so always verify the current figures on the official portal before you pay.

Where to apply: Absher and Muqeem

The channel depends on who manages the visa:

• Individuals: Apply through أبشر, the Interior Ministry's online portal for residents and citizens. This is the main channel if you (or your dependents) handle the request directly.
• Sponsors and companies: Establishments use the مقيم platform to issue and manage electronic exit and re-entry visas for their workers.

Note that platforms such as قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, and توكلنا are not used to issue exit and re-entry visas—they serve other services and ministries. Don't waste time looking for the option there.

Prerequisites before you apply

The most important rule: your iqama must be valid for at least 90 days plus the requested visa duration when issuing a single-trip exit and re-entry visa in months. If your iqama is close to expiry, renew it first—otherwise the system won't let you proceed, or your visa window will be cut short.

How to apply on Absher: step by step

For residents applying through the individual portal, the flow is quick:

• Log in to the Absher Individual portal using your national ID/iqama number and password, then confirm with the one-time passcode sent to your registered phone.
• From the dashboard, open Services for Residents/Dependents, then choose Passports (Expatriate services).
• Select the exit and re-entry visa option, then choose single or multiple.
• Set the visa duration and review the fees, including the Absher service charge.
• Confirm and pay. The visa is issued electronically and linked to your iqama—no physical stamp needed.

Avoiding the overstay penalty

If your exit and re-entry visa expires while you're outside the Kingdom, you face a penalty of roughly USD 100 (about SAR 375) per month or partial month beyond expiry. To stay safe:

• Track your visa expiry date carefully and count travel days generously.
• If your return is delayed, extend the visa from abroad before it lapses—paying the extension fee is far cheaper than the penalty.
• Remember the visa can only be extended up to your iqama's expiry, so keep both dates in view.

Plan ahead, confirm current fees on the official portal, and you'll travel with peace of mind. For more practical living guides, keep سعودي ليفنج bookmarked.

---

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