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

If you live in Saudi Arabia on a residence permit (iqama), you cannot simply leave and return without an exit and re-entry visa. This document gives a resident permission to travel abroad and come back within a set period. The good news is that the whole process is digital, usually completed in minutes through أبشر or مقيم. This guide from سعودي ليفنج explains the visa types, fees, requirements, and how to issue, extend, or check the status of your visa.

Single-trip vs. multiple-trip visas

There are two main types, and choosing the right one saves money and hassle:

• Single-trip exit/re-entry visa: SAR 200 for the first month, plus SAR 100 for each additional month. It allows one departure and one return.
• Multiple-trip exit/re-entry visa: SAR 500 for three months, plus SAR 200 for each additional month. It allows several departures and returns during the validity period — ideal for frequent travellers.

The exact amount payable is calculated automatically during issuance based on the duration you select.

Where to apply

You can apply through one of three channels, depending on who you are:

• أبشر Individuals: used by citizens and resident sponsors to issue visas for family members and domestic workers.
• أبشر Business: used by employers.
• مقيم: the platform employers generally rely on to manage workers.

How to issue the visa through أبشر

The steps are straightforward:

• Log in to your account.
• Go to Electronic Services → Passports → Exit/Re-Entry Visa Issuance.
• Select the worker or family member you want to issue the visa for.
• Choose single or multiple trip and set the duration.
• Pay the government fee through Saudi banking channels.
• Confirm issuance.

Sponsors issuing for dependents will find the option under Family Members Services, while domestic workers fall under Employee Services.

Requirements before you apply

To issue a visa, the following conditions generally must be met:

• The employee or family member must be inside Saudi Arabia at the time of issuance.
• The residence permit must be valid.
• The passport must be valid for at least 90 days.
• Any applicable traffic violations must be paid.
• There must be no conflicting valid visa or unresolved unused-visa violation.

For monthly single-trip visas there is an extra rule: the iqama must remain valid for at least 90 days plus the selected visa duration. Always confirm the latest requirements on the relevant official Saudi government portal before applying.

Validity and the “Return Before” date

A single-trip visa can be issued either by a number of months or with a specific “Return Before” date. The return-before date is the final day on which you are permitted to re-enter the Kingdom. Plan your return flight with a buffer so you are not caught out by delays — returning after this date can create serious complications.

Extending a visa while abroad

If plans change while you are outside Saudi Arabia, the sponsor can request an extension through أبشر for an eligible family member or domestic worker. Key points to remember:

• The extension fee is generally SAR 100 for a single visa and SAR 200 for a multiple visa, plus any applicable charges.
• The extension is calculated from the visa’s expiry date, not from the date you submit the request — so applying early does not shorten your extra time.

Cancellation and checking status

Note that exit/re-entry visa fees are not refunded after cancellation, so issue the correct type and duration the first time. You can check the status of a visa electronically through the national government-services platform, and the inquiry service is free.

Finally, keep in mind that during 2026 an exceptional temporary measure allowed special extension or departure arrangements for certain visas that expired from 25 February 2026 until 18 April 2026. That was a one-off exception and not part of the normal exit/re-entry process — for everyday travel, follow the standard steps above and always confirm current fees and rules on the official portal.

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