In a significant development timed with the Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia has launched a 30-day grace period for individuals holding expired visit visas. This policy, which became effective on June 26, 2025, allows visitors to rectify their visa status and leave the Kingdom without incurring penalties. The grace period is applicable to all types of visit visas, including those for tourism, business, and family visits. Visitors are urged to act quickly to ensure a smooth exit.

The 30-day grace period serves as a crucial opportunity for visitors at risk of overstaying their visas. The key details of the initiative include a start date of June 26, 2025, and eligibility for all holders of expired visit visas. To take advantage of the grace period, visitors must submit a request through the Tawasul service on the Absher electronic platform. It is important to note that any outstanding fines or fees for overstaying must be settled prior to departure.

To apply for the grace period, visitors should follow a straightforward process. They need to log in to the Absher platform via the Ministry of Interior’s website, access the Tawasul service to submit an exit visa extension request, and ensure that all relevant fines are cleared. Planning to exit Saudi Arabia within the 30-day window is essential to avoid further complications.

Although the grace period offers a chance to regularize visa status, compliance within the specified timeframe is critical. Failure to adhere to the 30-day limit could result in severe consequences, such as fines, deportation proceedings, and travel restrictions that may hinder future visits to Saudi Arabia.

This initiative reflects a more flexible approach by Saudi Arabia in managing visa overstays. It allows visitors to correct their status without facing immediate penalties or deportation. Furthermore, this policy is likely to positively impact Saudi Arabia’s tourism and business sectors by encouraging more visitors to the Kingdom through increased security and fairness.

So, Saudi Arabia’s introduction of a 30-day grace period for expired visit visas is a timely measure that aligns with the Islamic New Year. This new policy aids visitors in exiting the Kingdom without the burden of fines, making the process more accessible and hassle-free. The government encourages all visitors to take full advantage of this grace period and act swiftly to avoid complications, marking a progressive step in enhancing the visitor experience and fostering good relations with tourists and business travelers.