A Visit Visa can be renewed a week before its expiry

5 November 2023 - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has requested visit visa holders, staying in the Kingdom, to renew its validity, seven days prior to the expiry of the visa.

Applicants do not need to visit the Jawazat offices for the renewal and applications can be submitted online. Single entry visit visa holders can visit the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) electronic services platform Absher, and opt for a visa extension seven days before its expiry. Individual applicants can apply through Absher Afrad and businesses can apply through Absher Aamal and the Muqeem electronic portal.

It is important to note that for the renewal, the visitor is required to continue to have valid medical insurance. The visit visa can be renewed for a maximum period of 180 days.

If applicants face any challenges in applying for the renewals electronically, they can submit a request through the Jawazat communication service on the Absher platform. The case will be reviewed by a specialized team and the applicant will be notified of the status of the request through a text message.

Deloitte’s view

It is important for holders of visit visas to comply with the rules and regulations and apply for the renewal seven days prior to the expiry.

This decision by the Jawazat is a positive one and will streamline the process of renewing the visit visa.