Are you planning your summer travel from Saudi Arabia? If you’re an expat living in the Kingdom, chances are you’ve come across the terms exit and re-entry visa. But before you pack your bags, there’s an important update you need to hear: once you pay for an exit and re-entry visa, you can’t get your money back—even if you cancel it.
Let’s break it down in plain English and explore what this means for travelers, why this matters now, and the essential rules every foreign resident should know.
Why This Visa Update Matters Right Now
With summer around the corner and a surge in travel plans, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports (also known as Jawazat) made a timely public announcement. It all started when a resident reached out to the authorities with a simple question: “If I cancel my exit and re-entry visa, do I get a refund?”
The answer? A clear and firm no.
In a direct statement, the authorities responded:
“If the exit and re-entry visa is cancelled, the fees are non-refundable.”
That might sound like a small policy update, but for many travelers, it’s a big deal. Let’s unpack what this means, how much these visas cost, and what other rules are in play.
What Is an Exit and Re-Entry Visa?
For non-Saudis living in the Kingdom, an exit and re-entry visa is essential if you want to leave the country temporarily and come back without affecting your residency permit, known as an Iqama. Without this visa, stepping outside the Kingdom could lead to major issues with your legal status upon return.
There are two types of these visas:
- Single-entry visa – lets you exit and return once.
- Multiple-entry visa – gives you the flexibility to come and go several times within a certain period.
Sounds straightforward, right? But there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Visa Costs You Can’t Reclaim
If you’re budgeting for travel, here’s what to expect when it comes to visa fees:
- A single-entry visa will cost you SAR 200, which covers up to two months of travel.
- If you need extra time, you’ll pay an additional SAR 100 per month, but only as long as your Iqama is still valid.
- For a multiple-entry visa, the cost jumps to SAR 500, and renewal or extension will set you back SAR 400 each time.
Here’s the kicker: whether you use the visa or not, or even cancel it altogether, you won’t get a refund. That’s now official policy.
Must-Know Visa Conditions for Expats
Before you even think of applying for an exit and re-entry visa, you should be aware of the fine print. Jawazat and Absher (Saudi Arabia’s online government services platform) have outlined a detailed list of rules. Missing any of these can lead to a rejected application or worse—travel disruptions.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. You Must Be in the Kingdom
You can’t apply for an exit and re-entry visa while you’re abroad. The person the visa is being issued for must be physically present in Saudi Arabia during the application process.
2. Return Before the Iqama Expires
Your visa must include a “Return Before” date, and it cannot go beyond seven days before your Iqama expires. Planning ahead is crucial here—no last-minute decisions.
3. Duration Rules Apply
If you’re applying for a visa based on months of travel, your Iqama needs to be valid for at least 90 days plus the number of months you plan to stay outside the country.
4. “Return Before” Is a Hard Deadline
If your visa includes a return date, that’s the absolute last day you can legally re-enter the country. No extensions, no exceptions.
5. Gregorian Calendar Is the Law
All date references—whether for issuance or return—follow the Gregorian calendar. If there’s any discrepancy or confusion about dates, this is the default calendar the authorities will refer to.
6. Fingerprinting Is a Must
Biometric data isn’t optional. All applicants aged six and above must have registered fingerprints in the government system before applying for the visa.
7. Planning a Trip to the GCC?
If your travel plans include heading to another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, your Iqama must be valid for at least three more months from your travel date. Anything less and you may be turned away.
So, What’s the Big Takeaway?
If there’s one thing you should remember, it’s this: Think carefully before applying for an exit and re-entry visa. Once you pay, that money is gone—whether you use the visa, cancel it, or forget about it.
These visa fees are non-refundable, and with summer holidays in full swing, this policy could affect thousands of residents who might need to change plans at the last minute.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Travel Smooth
In a nutshell, Saudi Arabia’s visa policy is crystal clear: No refunds. No exceptions.
If you’re an expat planning to travel soon, now’s the time to double-check your Iqama validity, know your return dates, and make sure your travel plans are solid before applying.
Traveling is exciting—but in Saudi Arabia, it pays to plan ahead.
And remember: your visa isn’t just a document—it’s a deal you make with the system. Break that deal, and the system doesn’t give your money back.
Pro Tip: Stay updated by regularly checking your Absher account and following official announcements from Jawazat to avoid surprises. A few extra minutes online can save you from visa headaches later.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow expats. Safe travels! ✈️
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