Saudi Arabia has introduced a 60‑day grace period—effective from 1 Safar 1447 AH (July 26, 2025)—allowing holders of expired visit visas to leave the Kingdom legally without penalties.
Overview of the Grace Period Initiative
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports has extended the duration from the previous 30‑day window to a full 60 days . The extended period applies to all types of visit visas and aims to ease exit procedures for violators of residency law.
Key Details
Launch Date & Duration
- Grace period began on 1 Safar 1447 AH (July 26, 2025).
- Covers any expired visit visa—regardless of origin or category.
Purpose & Scope
- An administrative measure to streamline final exit procedures for visitors with expired visas.
- Licensed only for visa extension strictly to arrange departure.
Payment of Fines
The Passports Directorate instructed visitors to check and settle any outstanding fines or fees using the official “Sadad” system before applying for visa extension and travel arrangements
Compliance & Humanitarian Consideration
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humane and administrative standards, offering a user-friendly exit option while ensuring compliance with residency regulations.
Action Steps for Affected Visitors
- Verify visa status and eligibility.
- Log into official channels (via Absher or Tawasul) to request the extension service.
- Clear fines through the Sadad payment gateway.
- Plan your final exit within the grace period to avoid penalties or legal consequences.
Related Information
Earlier, the Kingdom had issued a 30‑day grace period for expired visit visas starting on 1 Muharram 1447 AH (June 26, 2025). You can explore the previous guidelines in this detailed coverage on processing expired visit visas.
Conclusion
The new 60‑day grace period offers a significant reprieve for visa overstay cases, allowing eligible visitors to settle fines and depart the Kingdom legally without facing extra penalties. Affected individuals are urged to act promptly and make use of this window.
