How to Extend Your Family Visit Visa

Are you seeking to prolong your family visit visa in Saudi Arabia but uncertain about the process? Worry not, for we have meticulously outlined the steps in this comprehensive guide. Whether you possess a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, this article will provide clarity and guidance on extending your stay.

Things to Know About Visit Visa Extension

Before delving into the extension process, it’s essential to understand the regulations and limitations associated with extending a visit visa in Saudi Arabia.

Extension Period

For a Single Entry Visit Visa, extension is possible, but the total extension period must not exceed 180 days.

Timing of Extension

You can initiate the extension process either 7 days before your visa expiration date or up to 3 days after its expiry. Notably, even if your Iqama (residency permit) has expired, you remain eligible to apply for an extension.

Step-by-Step Guide to Visa Extension

Extending your visit visa involves a straightforward process. Below, we outline the steps you need to follow:

1. Ensure Medical Insurance Validity

Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for visit visa extension. It’s crucial to verify that your medical insurance remains valid throughout the duration of the extension period.

2. Pay Extension Fees

Before proceeding with the extension, ensure that you have paid the requisite fees:

• Regular Fee: SR 100 for visa extensions.
• Late Fee: An additional SR 500 applies if the extension is requested within 3 days post-expiry.

3. How to Extend Single Entry Visa through Absher

Absher, the online portal for various governmental services in Saudi Arabia, offers a convenient method for extending your single-entry visit visa. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Absher Portal.
2. Navigate to “Services” > “Family Members Services”.
3. Select “Extend Visit Visa” and click “Proceed”.
4. Choose the family member whose visa you wish to extend.
5. Confirm the details, accept the terms, and finalize by clicking “Extend Visit Visa”.

Upon completion, your visa will be renewed for an additional 30 days.

4. How to Extend Visit Visa via Tawasul

In case you encounter difficulties extending your family visit visa through the Absher portal, the Tawasul service provides an alternative solution. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Prepare the necessary documents in PDF format, including:
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   • Passport of the visa holder.
   • Visa details from Absher.
   • Insurance details.
2. Visit the Absher Portal.
3. Navigate to “Services” > “Passports” > “Tawasul”.
4. Initiate a “New Request” (in Arabic).
5. Fill out the form and upload the prepared PDF documents.
6. Wait for approximately 24 hours for the visa extension to be processed.

5. How to Check Tawasul Extension Status

To track the status of your Tawasul extension request:

1. Sign in to Absher.
2. Go to “General Services” > “Passports”.
3. Select “Tawasul” and then “Inquire for Requests”.

Here, you can view the current status of your extension request.

6. Visit Visa Extension via Istiqdam

If online methods are unsuccessful, Istiqdam offers an offline alternative for visa extension. Here’s what you need to do:

Requirements

• Schedule an Istiqdam appointment.
• Prepare essential documents such as the visa holder’s passport, sponsor’s Iqama, and proof of medical insurance.
• In case of medical emergencies, obtain a doctor’s note.

Procedure

1. Visit the Jawazat office on the scheduled appointment day.
2. Submit your documents at the designated counter.
3. The officer will assess your application and may grant the extension, with a possibility of an additional 15 days in case of emergencies.

By following these steps diligently, you can successfully extend your family visit visa in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a seamless continuation of your stay with your loved ones.