From Non-Refundable Fees To Residency Permit Validity, Rules To Know About Saudi Exit & Re-Entry Visas

If you’re an expat in Saudi Arabia making summer travel plans, there’s some important fine print you need to know. The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), Saudi Arabia has issued a fresh set of rules about the conditions attached to exit and re-entry visas and needs your attention before you book those flights.

All You Need To Know About Saudi Arabia’s Exit And Re-Entry Visa Rules

لتبقى على اطلاع على خدماتنا، تابع القنوات الرسمية للتواصل. #الجوازات_في_خدمتكم

— الجوازات السعودية (@AljawazatKSA) March 29, 2025

Let’s start with the bit that often makes us worry the most: money. Jawazat has made it crystal clear that once you pay the fee for your exit and re-entry visa, you’re not getting it back — even if you cancel the visa later. The clarification came after a resident publicly asked if fees could be refunded upon cancellation. The answer? A firm no. This rule applies across the board, so whether you’re changing plans last minute or rethinking your summer break, you won’t see that fee returned to your account.

The Basics Of Exit And Re-Entry Visas

An exit and re-entry visa is your golden ticket to leave Saudi Arabia for a bit and return without messing up your residency (Iqama). Skipping it could land you a real headache trying to get back in. You’ve got two main choices: a single-entry visa that’ll set you back SAR 200 and covers up to two months, or a multiple-entry visa for SAR 400 if you’ve got a few trips in mind. Need more time? You can extend a single-entry visa for SAR 100 a month, just make sure your Iqama stays valid while you’re at it.

Rules You Can’t Ignore

Now, let’s talk about the conditions that come with these visas. 

First off, the person the visa is for must physically be inside Saudi Arabia at the time it’s issued. No exceptions. Also, the “Return Before” date you set can’t be later than seven days before your residency expires.

If you’re applying for a single-trip visa with a specific duration in months, your Iqama must have at least 90 days left, plus the duration you’re asking for. And yes, whatever date you see printed on that visa as your return deadline is final. Miss it, and re-entry becomes a headache. Oh, and don’t bother pulling out your lunar calendar, the Gregorian dates rule here if there’s any confusion.

Also Read: UAE, India, Bangladesh & More; Saudi Visa Goes Digital For 7 Countries Starting 1st May!

One more thing: the authorities require a registered fingerprint for anyone six years and older, so if you haven’t sorted that out yet, it’s time. And if you’re heading off to visit a Gulf country, make sure your Iqama is valid for at least three months from your travel date.

In short, double-check your plans for a visa and flights. A bit of planning now can save you a world of stress later.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Bradai Abderrahmen