Saudi Arabia Updates Multiple Family Visit Visa and Extension Guidelines: What’s New?

News">
October 16, 2024

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Announces Major Overhaul of Family Visit Visa Regulations

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is implementing sweeping changes to its family visit visa system, signaling a commitment to both simplifying travel for families and reinforcing regulatory oversight. thes reforms, announced by the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Passports, align with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategic framework for diversification and modernization.

Enhanced Benefits for Family Visitors

The updated Family visit visa now offers substantial advantages to visitors. Eligible individuals can now enjoy stays of up to 90 consecutive days per visit, with the flexibility of multiple entries and exits throughout the visa’s validity period. This eliminates the previous necessity for frequent extension applications, dramatically improving convenience for those visiting relatives in the Kingdom.

New Exit Requirement for Extended Stays

A key modification to the regulations involves a mandatory requirement for visitors wishing to utilize the full duration of their visa. To return to Saudi Arabia using the same visa, individuals must now exit the Kingdom before the initial permitted period expires. This measure is designed to ensure adherence to residency regulations and promote orderly travel patterns.

Digital Transformation with the ‘Absher‘ Platform

Central to these improvements is the kingdom’s ongoing digital transformation initiative. The Ministry of Interior has launched a thorough suite of services available through the “Absher” platform, providing visa holders with unprecedented control and transparency. These services include:

• Real-time Visa Status Tracking
• Detailed Entry and Exit records
• Proactive Expiration Alerts
• Complete Online Transaction Processing

Absher streamlines the entire visa process, eliminating the need for in-person visits to government offices.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit

The General Directorate of Passports recommends visitors adhere to these best practices to ensure a hassle-free experience:

• Stay informed about the latest updates through official Passport portals and the Absher platform.
• Carefully plan entry and exit dates to align with visa validity.
• Comply with the mandatory departure requirement before the 90-day limit.
• Verify the accuracy of all facts on the visa before travel.

Follow the latest Saudi services via Google News

These changes represent a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to balance welcoming families with maintaining robust immigration controls. This strategic overhaul strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for tourism and investment.

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched in 2016 to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.it aims to create a more vibrant society and a thriving economy. Revisions to the visa policy align directly with this vision, specifically targeting the enhancement of the visitor experience and the attraction of foreign investment. The Kingdom’s non-oil revenues increased by 16% in the second quarter of 2023,according to the General Authority for Statistics,demonstrating progress toward the diversification goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Family Visit Visas

What are your thoughts on these new visa regulations? Do you believe these changes will substantially improve the travel experience for families visiting saudi Arabia?

Share your comments below and let us know!

What are the key changes to Saudi Arabia’s family visit visa policies as of October 16, 2025?

Recent Changes to Saudi Family Visit Visas (2025)

Saudi Arabia has recently implemented notable updates to its multiple-entry family visit visa policies, impacting both new applications and visa extensions. These changes aim to streamline the process for families wishing to visit residents while also reinforcing immigration regulations. This article, updated October 16, 2025, details everything you need to know about the latest guidelines. We’ll cover eligibility, required documents, extension procedures, and potential pitfalls to avoid when applying for a Saudi family visit visa.

Who is Eligible for a Saudi Family Visit Visa?

The core eligibility criteria remain largely consistent, but with some key clarifications. Generally, the following family members are eligible:

* Spouse: Legally married spouse of the resident (Iqama holder).

* Children: Sons and daughters (under 21 years old, or dependent if over 21 and studying).

* Parents: Parents of the resident (or step-parents).

* Siblings: Brothers and sisters of the resident.

* In-laws: Parents-in-law of the resident.

Critically important Note: The relationship must be demonstrable through official documentation (marriage certificates,birth certificates,etc.). Recent updates emphasize stricter verification of these documents. Saudi visa requirements are becoming increasingly stringent.

Updated Document Checklist for Family Visit Visas

The required documentation has been refined. Ensure you have the following:

1. Original Iqama: Of the sponsor (resident).
2. Iqama Photocopy: Clear photocopy of the sponsor’s iqama.
3. Passport Copies: Passport copies of both the sponsor and the visitor(s), with at least six months of validity remaining.
4. Marriage Certificate (for spouses): Authenticated and translated into Arabic if not originally in Arabic.
5. Birth Certificates (for children): Authenticated and translated into Arabic if not originally in Arabic.
6. Sponsor’s Contract: A copy of the sponsor’s employment contract (translated if necessary).
7. Letter from Sponsor: A formal letter from the sponsor stating their commitment to financially support the visitor(s) during their stay.
8. Visitor’s Itinerary: A proposed travel plan outlining the visitor’s intended activities in Saudi Arabia.
9. Recent Photograph: Passport-sized photograph of each visitor, adhering to Saudi visa photo specifications.
10. Proof of Relationship: Additional documentation proving the familial relationship might potentially be requested.

New Requirement (October 2025): All documents must be submitted electronically through the online visa portal. Physical submissions are no longer accepted.

Multiple Entry visa Details & Validity

A significant update concerns the multiple-entry visa.

* Validity: The multiple-entry family visit visa is now valid for a maximum period of one year from the date of issuance.

* stay duration: Each visit can be for a maximum of 90 days.

* Number of Entries: Unlimited entries are permitted within the one-year validity period, provided the 90-day stay limit is not exceeded.

* fees: Saudi visit visa fees vary depending on the duration of stay and the number of entries. Check the official Saudi visa portal for the latest fee structure.

Extending Your Family Visit visa: New Guidelines

Visa extension policies have undergone the moast considerable changes.

1. Online Extension Only: All visa extensions must be applied for online through the Absher platform or the Saudi visa portal.
2. Extension Window: Applications for extension must be submitted at least 15 days before the visa expiry date. Late applications will not be accepted.
3. Extension Fee: An extension fee applies, the amount of which depends on the length of the extension requested.
4. Justification Required: applicants must provide a valid reason for the extension request. Simply wanting to stay longer is no longer sufficient.Acceptable reasons include medical emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, or participation in a specific event.
5. Limited Extensions: extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Ther is a limit of one extension per visa.
6. New Rule (October 2025): Extensions exceeding 30 days require approval from the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them

Understanding common rejection reasons can save you time and frustration.

* Incomplete Documentation: The most frequent cause of rejection. Double-check your checklist!

* Document Authenticity: Ensure all documents are genuine and properly authenticated.

* Relationship Verification: Immigration authorities are increasingly scrutinizing family relationships.

* Sponsor’s Status: if the sponsor’s Iqama is nearing expiry or has been flagged for any reason, the visa submission may be rejected.

* Previous Visa Violations: Any previous overstay or violation of Saudi immigration laws by the visitor or sponsor can lead to rejection.

Pro Tip: Utilize the