Extending or renewing a Saudi visa while in the Kingdom can be complex and is not always possible, especially for eVisas. For UAE residents who have obtained a Saudi visa and wish to stay longer, it’s crucial to know which visa types can be extended, the procedures for extension (online via Absher or in person via Jawazat), required conditions, possible penalties for overstaying, and what alternatives exist when extension isn’t allowed.
Can You Extend a Saudi Visa?
Not all Saudi visa types are extendable. In fact:
- Saudi eVisas (tourist eVisa / unified visa system) are not eligible for extension. Once the eVisa expires, travelers must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply if they want to return.
- Some visit visas, family visit visas, or certain residence or business visas may be extended or renewed under specific conditions, often via the Absher portal or the Ministry of Interior’s immigration systems.
- In 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced a grace period of 30 days for holders of expired visit visas. This means travelers with expired visas can leave the country legally within 30 days without facing heavy penalties.
How to Do Visa Extension via Absher (Online)
For those visa types that can be extended, the Absher (Saudi e-services) platform is typically used. Here’s how:
- You must stay inside Saudi Arabia
You cannot apply for extension from outside the country — you must be present in the Kingdom when making the extension request. - Access the extension service
Log into your Absher account, go to the “Extension of Visit Visa” or similar service. - Submit required information and documents
You may need to provide your passport number, current visa details, reasons for extension, and possibly proof of financial means or accommodation. - Pay extension fees
The system will prompt you to pay the required extension fee. If applying after visa expiry, you may also be liable for a fine or penalty. - Wait for approval
Once submitted and paid, your extension request is reviewed. If approved, the new duration is updated in your visa system (Absher).
How to Extend Visa Offline (In Person via Jawazat)
If online extension is not supported or fails, you can try the offline method:
- Visit a Jawazat office (General Director of Passports) in the city you’re staying in.
- Present your original passport, valid visa, and supporting documents (reason for extension, accommodation proof, etc.).
- Pay the extension fees and any fines if extending after expiry.
- Wait for approval. The time can vary.
Conditions, Limits & Cautions
- The maximum extension period and whether multiple extensions are allowed depends on visa type and the discretion of Saudi immigration authorities.
- Extensions are usually approved before the visa expires. Applying late may complicate approval or require fines.
- Overstaying without extension or beyond allowed grace period can lead to fines, bans on re-entry, or other penalties.
- Always check whether your visa type is extendable. Many service sources explicitly state that eVisas cannot be extended.
- If your visa is nearing expiry and extension is not allowed, the best practice is to depart Saudi Arabia before expiry and, if needed, reapply for a new visa.
What Happens When Extension is Not Allowed?
If your visa type (especially tourist eVisa) cannot be extended:
- You must exit Saudi Arabia before visa expiry.
- If you remain beyond the expiry or grace period, you may face fines per day of overstay.
- After leaving, if you wish to return, you must apply for a new visa — subject to all application requirements again.
- Using the 30-day grace period (for expired visit visas) helps avoid legal violations if you missed leaving before expiry.
Conclusion
For UAE residents in Saudi Arabia, extension or renewal of a Saudi visa is only possible for certain visa types, typically not including the tourist eVisa. If your visa is extendable, the process is done via the Absher platform while you remain in the country or sometimes via a local Jawazat office. Be sure to apply before expiry, pay the required fees, and meet all conditions. If extension isn’t possible, you must leave the country on or before expiry or risk penalties. The new 30-day grace period for expired visit visas is a helpful relief, but shouldn’t be relied upon. Start extension procedures early and know your visa type’s rules before applying.