Before any expat in Saudi Arabia boards a flight abroad and plans to return, they need an exit re-entry visa issued and valid before travel — otherwise you may be unable to depart or re-enter legally. This guide explains the types, costs, and the simple Absher application process.
Yes. If you plan to return, make sure an exit/re-entry visa is issued and valid before travel; otherwise you may be unable to depart or re-enter legally and may need employer/Jawazat action. The visa is applied for through the Absher app (for family visa holders) or the Muqeem portal (for work visa holders via the employer). Processing takes minutes to 24 hours and the visa is issued digitally.
Important: Never leave Saudi Arabia without first checking that your exit re-entry visa has been issued and is valid for your travel dates. Verify in the Absher app before heading to the airport.
خروج وعودة (مرة واحدة)
Description
Allows one departure and return within the validity period.
Validity
Up to 6 months
Fee (approx.)
From SAR 200 (2 months) + SAR 100/extra month
Best For
One-time trips home or short holidays
خروج وعودة (متعدد)
Description
Allows unlimited exits and re-entries within the validity period.
Validity
Up to 12 months
Fee (approx.)
From SAR 500 (2 months) + SAR 200/extra month
Best For
Frequent travellers, those with family abroad
تأشيرة الخروج النهائي
Description
For permanent departure. Iqama is cancelled on exit.
Validity
60 days from issue
Fee (approx.)
No exit fee (settle dues first)
Best For
End of employment / leaving Saudi Arabia for good
| Visa type | Use it when | Entries | Typical validity | Fee basis | Who applies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single exit re-entry | One-time trip home or short holiday | One | Up to 6 months | From SAR 200 (2 months) + SAR 100/extra month | Employer (or sponsor for dependants) |
| Multiple exit re-entry | Frequent travel; family abroad | Unlimited | Up to 12 months | From SAR 500 (2 months) + SAR 200/extra month | Employer (or sponsor for dependants) |
| Final exit | Leaving Saudi Arabia for good | Exit only (iqama cancelled) | 60 days from issue | No exit fee (settle dues first) | Employer via Muqeem |
Fees are approximate and set by the authorities. Use the exit/re-entry fee calculator for an estimate based on your visa type and duration.
Your employer logs into the Muqeem portal or Absher Business and submits an exit re-entry visa request for you. They select the visa type (single or multiple) and duration.
Payment is made via SADAD payment system. Fees vary by visa type and duration.
The visa is issued digitally within minutes to 24 hours. It appears in your Absher app and can be downloaded as a PDF. You do not need to visit any government office.
Check the issue date, start date, and expiry date in Absher or Muqeem. Travel only after the visa is active and return before it expires. Unused exit re-entry visas expire without refund.
For single exit visas, you must return before the expiry date. If you cannot return in time, your employer must apply for a visa extension or you must re-apply for a new work visa from abroad.
Sponsors apply in Absher: Services > Passports > Visa Services > Exit/Re-entry Visa > select dependant > choose duration > confirm fee payment > issue visa.
Yes. If you plan to return to Saudi Arabia, make sure an exit/re-entry visa is issued and valid before travel; otherwise you may be unable to depart or re-enter legally and may need employer/Jawazat action. Check the visa in the Absher app or Muqeem before heading to the airport.
For work visa holders, the employer applies via Muqeem portal or Absher Business. Family visa dependants apply through the sponsor's Absher account. The visa is issued digitally within minutes to 24 hours.
A single exit visa allows one departure and return within the validity window. A multiple exit visa allows unlimited exits and re-entries. Multiple exit visas are more convenient for frequent travellers but cost more.
A final exit visa is for expats permanently leaving Saudi Arabia. Your iqama is cancelled on departure. Apply through the employer via Muqeem. Ensure all end-of-service dues and financial obligations are settled beforehand.