The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has provided guidance on renewing visit visas, stating that the extension of single-entry visit visas can now be completed through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform, Absher. This can be accomplished via Absher Afrad (individuals), Absher Aamal (business), and the Muqeem electronic portal.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to visa regulations for holders of various visit visas within the Kingdom. In addition, visa holders can now electronically extend their visas up to seven days before their expiration, eliminating the need for in-person visits to Jawazat offices.
To extend their visa, beneficiaries need to access their Absher account, make the required service fee payment, and ensure they possess valid medical insurance. The visa extension process must comply with stipulated terms and conditions, with a maximum extension period of 180 days, as reported by Saudi Gazette.
In cases where users encounter difficulties with this electronic service, they have the option to submit a request to Jawazat through the Absher platform’s communication service. The directorate’s dedicated team will review the case and provide updates via text message, as mentioned in a release by the directorate.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant changes in its visa regulations as part of Vision 2030, aiming to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP and create one million job opportunities. In 2022, the Kingdom recorded 94 million visits, marking a 93 percent increase from the previous year and resulting in a tourism expenditure of SR185 billion ($49 billion).
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have set their sights on 100 million visits by 2030 and intend to increase the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to 10 percent. In 2023, the country welcomed over 2 million Hajj pilgrims, marking the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that such large numbers were able to make the pilgrimage.