New 90-Day Limit for GCC-Registered Cars in Saudi Arabia

A new rule taking effect on 26 August 2026 will limit how long privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can remain inside Saudi Arabia. Under the rule, such vehicles may stay a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 365-day period, whether the days are used consecutively or split across several visits.

The 365-day window is counted from the date the vehicle first enters through any Saudi customs port, and every later entry within that year adds to the same 90-day total. Vehicle details are registered in customs and traffic systems on arrival to track the cumulative days spent in the Kingdom.

The rule applies to vehicles registered in another GCC state that are owned by, or officially authorised to be driven by, a Saudi citizen or a non-GCC resident in the Kingdom. Vehicles rented from licensed car-rental companies in GCC countries are exempt from the 90-day limit.

Grace period and extensions

Vehicles already inside Saudi Arabia before 26 August 2026 will have a corrective grace period from 26 August 2026 to 23 November 2026 to either exit the Kingdom or regularize their status through permanent import and registration on Saudi plates.

Owners or authorised drivers may request an extension from the Ministry of Interior before the initial 90 days expire; requests filed after expiry are not accepted. The maximum extension is up to 30 additional days, and approval is discretionary based on Ministry requirements.

Staying beyond the permitted period is treated as a traffic violation under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law, carrying a fine of SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000 The vehicle may also be impounded until the violation is resolved and dues are paid. Residents and citizens driving Gulf-registered cars should plan their visits and paperwork ahead of the deadline.

---

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