Saudi visit visa extension procedure online
A Comprehensive Guide to Online Saudi Visit Visa Extension
Extending your visit visa could be exactly what you need if you’re having a great time in Saudi Arabia and would like to stay a little while longer. Visa extensions are only a few of the many procedures that Saudi Arabia has streamlined with online tools. Everything you need to know about extending a Saudi visit visa online will be addressed in this article. We’ll keep things straightforward and use simple language so that anyone can follow along. This guide will help you follow the steps without any confusion, whether you’re here to see the sights, visit family, or for other reasons.
Let’s first define what a “visit visa” is. Several varieties are available in Saudi Arabia, but not all of them can be expanded. We’ll focus on those that can, like family visit visas, and discuss why others, like tourist visas, typically can’t. This guide is based on the most recent regulations as of 2025, and includes some new modifications that provide some additional flexibility. You’ll be confident managing the procedure on your own by the end.
Knowing Which Saudi Visit Visas Can Be Extended
Various visitation visas are issued by Saudi Arabia based on what you want to do. Here’s a brief outline:
The tourist visa, or eVisa, can be utilized for short trips, events, and sightseeing. You can purchase a multiple-entry version that is valid for a year, and it is typically valid for up to 90 days per entry. Here’s a significant thing, though: eVisas for tourists cannot be renewed. If you wish to return after your time is up, you must leave the country and apply for a new one. This regulation promotes the smooth operation of tourism.
A family visit visa is used to travel to Saudi Arabia to see family members such as parents, siblings, or spouses. There are two options: single-entry (one trip) and multiple-entry (come and go during the validity period). The good news is that these can frequently be extended! Your initial stay on a single-entry family visa may be up to 90 days, with the option of a one or two-time extension. Multiple-entry visas permit up to 90 days of stay per visit, with extensions of up to 180 or even 270 days in certain situations; however, additional extensions may require a brief departure from the country.
Similar to the family visa, the personal visit visa is granted to friends or non-family members who have been invited by a Saudi national. Similar to family visas, extensions are permitted under certain conditions.
For conferences, meetings, or brief trips for work, a business visit visa is required. depending on your sponsor (such as a business), these can occasionally be extended. In addition to Absher, the Muqeem portal may be used.
Since family and personal visit visas are the most often asked for online, they are the primary focus of this article. Since extensions are not available, carefully plan your trip if you are on a tourist visa. To be sure, always verify the type of visa on the visa document or on your entry stamp.
In 2025, one significant update: A 30-day grace period for expired visitation visas was instituted by Saudi authorities. This implies that you have 30 days to leave the country before your visa expires without incurring significant fines or being banned. It is only necessary for each visa and only serves to facilitate a smooth exit; it does not allow for extension. Since it began in June 2025, many visitors find this to be new and beneficial.
Who Is Eligible to Request an Extension? Qualifications for Eligibility
A visa extension is not available to everyone. Saudi rules are stringent in order to maintain order. What you must do is as follows:
Your current visa must be about to expire;
typically, you can apply when it is seven days or less away from expiring. However, to prevent stress, don’t wait until the last minute.
When you apply, you have to be in Saudi Arabia. Extensions can’t be made in this manner if you are outside.
No unresolved problems:
That means there won’t be any unpaid fines, traffic tickets, or legal issues. First, fix any infractions.
After your intended stay, your passport must still be valid for at least six months.
Your Saudi relative must be alive and possess a valid residency permit (Iqama) in order to be eligible for a family visa.
You must have current health insurance that will cover you during your whole visit. This is a non-negotiable rule in Saudi Arabia due to health reasons.
For the majority of visit visas, the total stay after an extension cannot exceed 180 days. It may last up to 270 days for family multiple-entry, but after the first two extensions, you will have to leave and re-enter.
An Absher account is needed if you are the sponsor submitting an application for a family member. Think of Absher as a one-stop app for IDs, visas, and other government services in Saudi Arabia. It’s simple and cost-free to set up if you don’t already have one.
Keep in mind that visas for the Hajj and Umrah are only valid for pilgrimages and cannot be extended.
Which Documents Are Required?
The process runs easier when documents are gathered in advance. This is a basic list:
a copy of your passport with at least two blank pages and proof of validity.
a copy of your valid Saudi visitation visa.
evidence of health insurance. If you don’t have it, you can purchase it online from businesses like Tawuniya.
a letter outlining your reasons for requesting an extension. Say something brief such as “I need more time to visit family due to personal reasons.”
Information about your sponsor, such as their Iqama number, is necessary for family visas.
Since most of it is digital on Absher, you might not need to upload everything in hard copy. However, set up scans on your computer or phone.
Detailed Instructions for Using Absher to Extend Your Visa Online
Saudi Arabia’s system has the advantage of being mostly done via the internet, which eliminates the need for in-person visits unless there is an issue. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it:
Configure Absher or log in:
Download the Absher app to your phone or visit the Absher website (www.absher.sa). If you’re new, register using your passport details (for visitors) or your Iqama or national ID (for sponsors). A verification code will be sent to you via SMS.
Go to Visa Services:
Look for “Family Members Services” or “Sponsored Services” on the dashboard after login in. It will be in the services section of your account if you are the sponsor.
Choose the option for extension:
Select “Visa Extension” or “Visa Extension for Visits.” It falls under services related to visas, though the exact wording might vary. If it’s for family, pick the person whose visa you’re extending.
Complete the Details:
Enter details such as the desired extension period (typically 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your visa type), passport number, and visa number. Verify that everything corresponds with your documents.
Upload the necessary files:
Include scans of the extension letter, your passport, your visa, and proof of insurance. What you upload will be determined by the system.
Examine and pay the fee:
Verify every detail again for mistakes. Next, use a bank transfer or credit card to pay the extension fee online. Next, we’ll discuss fees in more detail.
Send in the application:
You will receive a reference number once you hit submit. Keep it!
If everything is set up, the entire process can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes. To prevent any website bugs, do it when it’s quiet.
If this is your third extension of a multiple-entry family visa, you may need to leave Saudi Arabia (for example, to Bahrain or Dubai) and then return to restart the clock. For your specific circumstance, check Absher.
Fees and How to Cover Them
Although they are not free, extensions are affordable. For the majority of visit visas, the standard fee is SAR 100, or roughly $27 USD. Apply as soon as possible because there will be a SAR 500 (roughly $133 USD) fine if you apply after your visa expires.
Payment takes place directly in Absher. Use a linked bank account or Saudi Arabia’s payment system, SADAD. The system handles your request after payment. Save your receipt as evidence.
Depending on coverage, medical insurance can cost everything from SAR 100 to SAR 300 if you need to purchase or renew it.
How Much Time Does It Take? Time Spent Processing and Monitoring
The majority of extensions are granted within one to three days, but during peak times, it may take up to a week. If you gave you a contact address, you will receive updates by email or SMS.
To monitor:
Return to Absher, select “General Services,” then “Passports,” and then “Tawasul” or “Inquire for Requests.” To view the status, enter your reference number.
Your updated visa details will appear in the app if it is accepted, and you can print a copy if necessary.
The 2025 New 30-Day Grace Period
This is revolutionary! If your visit visa expires on June 26, 2025, you will have 30 days to depart without paying penalties. It’s for family, business, or travel visas.
To put it to use:
Within those 30 days, log into Absher, use the Tawasul service to request departure, and depart. For the sake of a safe departure, there will be no extensions during this time. This helps prevent entry bans or overstaying fines, which otherwise could amount to SAR 500 per day.
Typical Errors to Avoid and Practical Advice
A lot of people trip over little things. Here’s how to maintain your silky feel:
Don’t wait until the last minute; apply early. Aim for the final 7–10 days of your visa.
Verify any violations:
To find out whether you have any fines, use Absher. First, give them money.
Obtain the Correct Insurance:
Verify that it is good for the entire extension period.
Make Use of a Strong Internet Connection:
Patience is beneficial because the site can be slow.
If rejected, the reasons could be ineligibility or missing documents. Repair and reapply, or use Tawasul to get in touch with support.
Hint:
Absher also offers Arabic, but you can use browser translation if English is not your first language. Sponsors, if your visitors are not tech-savvy, assist them.
Employer-sponsored extensions are handled by the Muqeem portal (muqeem.sa), so check it out for complex circumstances, such as if you’re a business traveler.
What Happens If Your Extension Is Rejected?
Do not panic. Missing paperwork, violations, or staying longer than allowed are common causes. Examine the Absher denial message, address the problem, and try again. Bring your documents to a Jawazat office (passport department) if it’s urgent. In the worst situation, depart politely during the grace period.
Conclusion: Remain Stress-Free and Longer
Once you understand the procedures, extending your Saudi visit visa online is simple. Absher saves you time and hassle by allowing you to manage it from your computer or phone. Keep in mind that family visas allow you to stay up to 180–270 days, while tourist visas cannot. Additional peace of mind in the event that things don’t work out is provided by the new 2025 grace period.
Since regulations can change, always check official websites like Absher or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most recent information. Leading your guests through this as the sponsor shows excellent hospitality. Enjoy your additional time in stunning Saudi Arabia and travel safely!