Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced today that it has begun processing the situation of foreign nationals whose visas expired as of February 25, 2026, and who were unable to leave the country due to the regional context.
This applies to holders of all types of visit visas, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas.
Authorities specified that these measures apply exclusively to travelers who were prevented from leaving the Kingdom due to circumstances beyond their control, particularly disruptions to air travel and restrictions observed in several countries across the region.
Conditional visa extensions and penalty-free departures
Saudi authorities are offering a clear option for affected travelers: to leave the Kingdom directly without any prior formalities.
In practice, eligible individuals may present themselves at international exit points, where procedures will be simplified, with no fees or overstay penalties required. However, this facilitation is time-limited: departures must take place no later than April 18, 2026.
For travelers wishing to remain temporarily in Saudi Arabia, a visa extension is also available.
This process must be initiated by the host through the official Absher platform, by navigating to the “Passports” section and then “Tawasul.”
Unlike direct departure, this option requires payment of the applicable fees. The extension is also valid only until April 18, 2026.
These measures come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted international travel and prevented some travelers from departing within the required timeframe.
The Ministry of Interior is therefore urging beneficiaries to regularize their status before the deadline, or risk facing the penalties предусмотрed under Saudi regulations.
