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What to Do If You Overstay Your Visa in Saudi Arabia?

Overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia is a serious violation that can lead to fines, deportation, or travel bans. Acting promptly is crucial to minimize penalties and resolve the issue. Follow these steps to stay compliant with Saudi immigration laws and maintain your eligibility for future visits.

Steps to Take If You Overstay in Saudi Arabia

Check Your Visa Status

Verify your visa’s expiry date and overstay duration using official platforms:

Absher or Muqeem for visit visa holders. You may need your sponsor’s account details or their assistance.  

Saudi eVisa Portal for tourist eVisa holders (obtained online without sponsorship), this is the official site to check visa validity and stay duration.

Contact Your Sponsor or Host

For visit visa holders, your sponsor (a Saudi citizen or expatriate host) must initiate any extension or resolution process via Absher. Sponsors face penalties for unreported overstays, so coordinate with them promptly. For eVisa holders, no sponsor is required, allowing you to proceed independently.

Explore Visa Extension Options (If Eligible)

Not all visas can be extended:

  • Tourist eVisa: Cannot be extended. You must leave within the 90-day stay limit per visit or face fines.
  • Visit Visa: Extensions are possible through your sponsor via Absher, typically within 6 days before or 3 days after expiry. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days from entry.
  • Umrah Visa: Umrah visas typically cannot be extended, and overstaying may lead to penalties or bans. Only in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies or border closures, might an extension be considered, and this must be done through official channels like the Ministry of Hajj or a licensed Umrah agent.

Pay Overstay Fines

Fines are calculated at the immigration counter when exiting Saudi Arabia:

  • Tourist eVisa: SAR 100 (~USD 26.66) per day of overstay.
  • Visit Visa:
    • First offense: SAR 15,000 (~USD 4,000).
    • Second offense: SAR 25,000 (~USD 6,665) and up to 3 months imprisonment.
    • Third offense: SAR 50,000 (~USD 13,330), up to 6 months imprisonment, and deportation. Ensure you have sufficient funds (credit/debit card or cash) to cover fines before boarding your flight.

Contact Saudi Immigration Authorities

For guidance or complex cases, visit a Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office or check the Ministry of Interior website. Bring:

  • Original passport.
  • Passport-size photo.
  • Documentation justifying the overstay (e.g., medical records, flight cancellation proof).
  • For visit visa holders, a completed Jawazat form (available at the office or through agents). If directed, you may need to visit a deportation center for fingerprinting and fine processing.

Seek Professional Assistance

For complicated situations, such as deportation or travel bans, consult a reputable visa consultant or immigration lawyer specializing in Saudi laws. Visitors also contact travel agencies experienced with Saudi visas for support in resolving overstay issues.

Prepare for Departure

Book a flight to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as possible to minimize fines and avoid further complications. Plan to depart at least 2 days before additional penalties accrue. If facing deportation, follow the process at a deportation center, which may involve fingerprinting and a stamped passport.

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