Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced temporary relief measures for visitors stranded in the Kingdom with expired visas, offering either a fine-free exit or a visa extension until 18 April 2026. The directive covers holders of visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and final exit permits that expired on 25 and 26 February 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s Two Options for Stranded Visa Holders
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announced By | Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia |
| Visas Covered | Visit, Umrah, transit, final exit permits |
| Expiry Dates Covered | 25 and 26 February 2026 |
| Extension Deadline | 18 April 2026 |
| Fines for Departure | None (direct exit permitted) |
The Ministry has provided two clear options for affected individuals:
Option 1 — Visa Extension: Holders can apply for an extension through their host via the Absher platform. The extension requires payment of applicable fees and remains valid until 18 April 2026. This allows visitors to regularise their stay and remain in Saudi Arabia for a limited period.
Option 2 — Fine-Free Departure: Individuals with expired visas can leave Saudi Arabia directly through any international departure point. No visa renewal is required, and no overstay fines or fees will be imposed.
Who Is Affected Among Indian Travelers in Saudi Arabia
The measures specifically apply to Indian nationals and other visitors whose visas expired on 25 or 26 February 2026 due to regional travel disruptions. If you are currently in Saudi Arabia on an expired visit or Umrah visa from this period, you are eligible for either option.
Indian travelers planning future visits to Saudi Arabia can review our Saudi Arabia Visa Guide for complete requirements and fees. You can also use the Document Checklist to prepare your application and the Visa Fee Calculator to understand current costs.
Deadline and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Saudi authorities have urged all eligible visa holders to act before 18 April 2026. After this date, standard overstay penalties under Saudi immigration regulations will apply.
The directive was issued under instructions from Saudi leadership to facilitate procedures for visitors and residents affected by current regional conditions, while maintaining compliance with existing immigration rules across all international entry and exit points.
Source: Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Q: Which visa types are covered under Saudi Arabia’s fine-free exit? A: The directive covers visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and final exit permits that expired on 25 or 26 February 2026.
Q: What is the deadline to exit Saudi Arabia without fines? A: All eligible visa holders must either extend their visa or depart Saudi Arabia before 18 April 2026 to avoid penalties.
Q: How can I extend my expired Saudi visa under this directive? A: You can apply for a visa extension through your host via the Absher platform. The extension requires payment of applicable fees and is valid until 18 April 2026.
Q: Will I face penalties if I leave Saudi Arabia with an expired visa? A: No. Under this directive, you can exit Saudi Arabia directly through international departure points without renewing your visa and without paying overstay fines.