Overstayed a visa in Saudi Arabia: official penalties and leaving
The Ministry of Interior says expatriates who overstay their visas face a fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, and deportation. No regularisation route for overstayers is open in the official sources reviewed. Past relief windows have closed.
2 entry rules for Saudi Arabia based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you've stayed in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, including on the way through other countries, Saudi Arabia won't let you in and has stopped issuing visas to you.
Saudi MOH News: Entry Suspended for Travelers from Three African Countries Over Ebola (25 Jun 2026) SPA (Arabic): travel and entry suspension for arrivals from three African countries Checked October 19, 2026
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries on Saudi Arabia’s yellow fever list
Travellers older than 9 months arriving from one of 41 listed yellow fever risk countries must be vaccinated and carry a valid certificate. Without one: health authorities at points of entry may take additional preventive measures based on risk assessment.
Saudi Ministry of Health: Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj - 1447H (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Moving to Saudi Arabia
Practical facts for newcomers, from official sources Finance Living
Finance
3
Currency
Saudi Riyal
SAR
Saudi Riyal
Cost of living
50
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#21 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Eligibility
Who it’s for: People in Saudi Arabia whose visit, Umrah, transit or final exit visa has expired.
Official position
Sign in to check this route against your profileExpatriates who overstay face a fine, possible jail time and deportation, according to the Ministry of Interior statement of April 27, 2026.
Penalties for overstaying
- Fineup to
- SAR50,000
- Imprisonmentup to
- six months
Official wording
The Ministry of Interior statement of April 27, 2026 sets out a fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, and deportation for expatriates who overstay.
No open amnesty found
Sign in to check this route against your profileTwo earlier relief periods for expired visas had fixed end dates and have both ended.
- Relief for visas expired from February 25, 2026 ran until April 18, 2026
- 30-day initiative for expired visit visas was announced in July 2025
- The July 2025 initiative was for a fixed period
Official wording
The relief for visas expired from February 25, 2026 ran until April 18, 2026. The 30-day initiative for expired visit visas was announced in July 2025 for a fixed period. Both have ended.
Official help line
Sign in to check this route against your profileHolders of expired visas can call 992 for inquiries and assistance from the General Directorate of Passports.
992
Help line
- Advice was given to holders of expired visas in March 2026
Official wording
The General Directorate of Passports told holders of expired visas in March 2026 that they can call 992 for inquiries and assistance.
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Other routes to Saudi Arabia
- Visit & tourismSaudi Arabia Hajj pilgrimage visa
- StudyStudent (educational) visa via Study in Saudi
- Work permitsEmployer-sponsored work visa, work permit and iqama
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