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

If you're a resident living in Saudi Arabia and you plan to travel abroad and return, you'll usually need an exit and re-entry visa before you leave. The good news is that the whole process is now largely electronic and can be completed in minutes through official government portals. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the types of visas, the fees, the exact application steps, and what to do if you need an extension.

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 leave and return during your trip period.

• Single exit-and-re-entry visa: allows one departure and one return. It costs SAR 200 for the first 2 months, then SAR 100 for each additional month.
• Multiple exit-and-re-entry visa: allows several departures and returns within the validity period. It costs SAR 500 for the first 3 months, then SAR 200 for each additional month.

Keep in mind that the official payment screen may add transaction or service charges, so the exact total you pay can vary. Always confirm the final amount on the payment page before confirming.

Eligibility conditions

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements. Generally you must have:

• A valid Iqama (residency permit).
• A valid passport.
• No blocking violations, fines, or travel restrictions on your record.
• Settled any required government fees.

Note that the permitted visa duration is capped by the remaining validity of your Iqama and other system conditions — you cannot issue a visa that extends beyond what your Iqama allows.

How to apply through Absher

If you're applying for yourself or a dependent, use the Absher Individuals portal. The path is: My Services → Passports → Visa Services → Issue Exit and Re-Entry Visa.

The typical steps are:

• Log in through نفاذ (the national single sign-on).
• Select the resident the visa is for.
• Choose single or multiple entry.
• Select the duration and the start date.
• Review all the details carefully.
• Pay electronically through the government payment system.
• Confirm issuance.

Once payment and system approval go through, the visa is issued electronically — there's no need to visit an office in most cases.

How employers issue the visa through Muqeem

If your visa is handled by your employer, the company issues it through مقيم. The employer must first meet the required conditions relating to you as the employee, your Iqama, your work permit, and the applicable fees before the visa can be issued.

Understanding validity and start dates

This is a point many travelers get wrong: the visa validity begins on its stated issue or start date, not automatically on the day you actually travel. If you set a start date but delay your trip, the clock is still running. When choosing your start date, align it as closely as possible with your real departure plan to avoid wasting days.

Extending your exit and re-entry visa

If your plans change while you're abroad, an eligible extension can be requested electronically through أبشر or مقيم. A few things to know:

• Extensions requested from outside Saudi Arabia carry higher additional-month charges: SAR 200
• The reported أبشر extension service charge is SAR 103.50, which is separate from the visa-extension fee itself.
• Extensions remain subject to eligibility and your Iqama's remaining validity.

A recent change worth knowing

A reported change effective January 16, 2026 removed the automatic three-year re-entry ban that previously applied to certain workers who overstayed an expired exit-and-re-entry visa. This is an important development, but eligibility and approval at the border still depend on the individual case — it is not a blanket guarantee.

Final tips

Because fees and eligibility limits can change and the payment screen may add charges, always confirm the current figures and conditions on the official Saudi government portal — أبشر or مقيم — before you pay. Applying a few days ahead of your trip, rather than at the last minute, gives you time to resolve any fines or restrictions that might block issuance.

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