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

If you hold an Iqama and plan to travel outside Saudi Arabia and return, you'll almost always need an exit and re-entry visa before you leave. This is one of the most common transactions residents complete, and understanding the fees, validity limits, and extension rules can save you money and prevent problems at the airport. In this guide from سعودي ليفنج, we break down the two main visa types, how they're priced, and what to do if you need to extend while inside or outside the Kingdom.

Single vs. Multiple Exit and Re-Entry Visa

There are two types of exit and re-entry visa, and choosing the right one depends on how often you plan to travel during the validity period.

• Single exit and re-entry: Lets you leave and return one time. The base fee is SAR 200, which covers up to 2 months. This is ideal for a one-off trip such as a vacation or a short family visit.
• Multiple exit and re-entry: Lets you travel in and out as many times as you like during the validity period. The base fee is SAR 500, which covers up to 3 months. This suits frequent travelers and those making several trips within a few months.

In both cases, the visa validity cannot extend beyond your Iqama expiry date. A single-entry visa is commonly allowed up to around 6 months, while a multiple-entry visa may be permitted up to around 12 months — always within the Iqama's validity.

How the Fees Are Calculated

Fees are counted in whole months, and any part of a month is rounded up. As a rule:

• 1–30 days counts as one month.
• 31–60 days counts as two months.

For a single visa, the SAR 200 base covers the first 2 months, and each additional month is charged at SAR 100 up to your Iqama expiry. So a 2-month single visa is SAR 200, a 3-month visa is SAR 300, and a 4-month visa is SAR 400.

For a multiple visa, the SAR 500 base covers the first 3 months, with each extra month adding SAR 200 up to Iqama expiry. Keep in mind the visa fee is non-refundable — even if you cancel the visa, you won't get the money back, so apply only when you're sure of your plans.

How to Apply

Most residents apply themselves through the government's official digital channels, while some employers handle the request on their behalf through their business portal. Broadly, the process works like this:

• Log in to the official government services portal using your national digital identity.
• Select the exit and re-entry service and choose the person (yourself or a dependent).
• Pick single or multiple entry and set the number of months you need.
• Review the calculated fee, confirm, and pay electronically.

If your employer sponsors your Iqama, they may need to issue the visa for you. Confirm the exact steps and available options on the relevant official Saudi government portal before you travel.

Extending Your Visa

If your plans change, you can extend the visa, but the rules differ depending on whether you are inside or outside the Kingdom.

• Inside Saudi Arabia: A single visa extension costs SAR 100 per additional month, and a multiple visa extension costs SAR 200 per additional month — both counted up to your Iqama expiry.
• Outside Saudi Arabia: Extension fees are higher after recent increases — SAR 200 per month for a single visa and SAR 400 per month for a multiple visa.

From January 2025 onward, an electronic processing fee of SAR 103.50 per extension transaction applies when you extend through the main government portal. Always confirm the latest amounts on the official portal, as electronic service charges can change.

Tips to Avoid Problems

• Check that your Iqama is valid and won't expire before your planned return — the visa can never outlast the Iqama.
• Apply a few days before travel to allow time for payment confirmation.
• If traveling with family, remember each dependent needs their own visa.
• Because fees are non-refundable, double-check dates and entry type before paying.
• Extending from abroad is more expensive, so it's usually cheaper to request enough months up front.

With a little planning, the exit and re-entry visa is a straightforward part of life in the Kingdom. Confirm current fees and steps on the official Saudi government portal, and you'll be ready to travel with peace of mind.

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