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Holders of expired Saudi visit visa can exit Kingdom without fines before April 18
The move comes amid widespread travel disruptions in the region due to closing the airspaces of many countries since the US-Israel-Iran war erupted on February 28
- PUBLISHED: Sat 4 Apr 2026, 10:46 PM
Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday (April 4) that holders of visit visas that expired on February 25 can leave the Kingdom directly through international ports without extending their visas or paying any fees or penalties, according to the General Directorate of Passports.
Authorities urged all beneficiaries to complete their departure before April 18 to avoid penalties under the Kingdom’s regulations.
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In a related move, the Governorate of Madinah Region said on Saturday (April 4) that holders of final exit visas expired on or after the same date can also depart before April 18, with no fines or need to extend their visas.
Earlier, on Friday (April 3), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that holders of expired Umrah visas are permitted to leave the Kingdom before April 18, without fines.
The move comes amid widespread travel disruptions in the region due to closing the airspaces of many countries since the US-Israel-Iran war erupted on February 28.
Since the beginning of the war, aviation across the Middle East has been severely disrupted by widespread airspace closures and restrictions, with airlines rerouting, diverting or cancelling services. Major hub airports, including those in the GCC, have experienced significant schedule disruption and congestion.
The Saudi Ministry on Interior has previously called on holders of expired visas of all types, visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and final exit visas, as of February 25 to call the unified contact number for passports 992 for any inquiries related to departing the Kingdom amid the current circumstances the region is experiencing.
According to data shared by aviation analytics company Cirium, more than 40,000 flights were cancelled in the Middle East from February 28 to March 9.
For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact the General Directorate of Passports via the unified number 992, through their website www.gdp.gov.sa.
