Extending a visit visa in Saudi Arabia is an important process for anyone who wishes to stay longer with family, friends, or for personal reasons. Many visitors come to the Kingdom for family visits, tourism, or business, and often need additional time to complete their stay. The Saudi government provides an easy and digital way to extend visit visas through online platforms. This guide explains every step in simple language so you can complete the process smoothly and avoid mistakes.

Who Can Extend a Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia allows visit visa extensions for several types of visitors. Family visit visa holders, single-entry visit visa holders, and multiple-entry visitors can extend their stay if they meet the rules.
You can apply for an extension if:

• The visitor is already inside the Kingdom.

• The visa is valid and has not yet expired.

• There are no travel violations on the record.

• The visitor has medical insurance covering the extended period.

Those visiting family members such as parents, spouses, or children can usually renew their visit visa without leaving the country, provided that all official conditions are met.

Required Documents for Visa Extension

Before applying for a visit visa extension, make sure you have all the documents ready. Missing papers or incomplete information can lead to rejection. Here is what you will need:

1. Valid visitor’s passport.

2. Current visit visa copy.

3. Iqama or ID of the Saudi sponsor.

4. Visitor’s national ID (if applicable).

5. Updated health insurance for the extension period.

6. Payment confirmation for the extension fee.

Keeping all documents in digital format helps in submitting them quickly during the online application.

Online Method to Extend Visit Visa

The Saudi Ministry of Interior provides an online system for visit visa extension through Absher, the official government portal. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Go to the official Absher website and log in using your registered account.

2. From the main menu, select Services then choose Passports.

3. Click on Extend Visit Visa.

4. Select the visitor whose visa you want to extend.

5. Review all information shown on the screen to ensure accuracy.

6. Accept the terms and conditions and submit your request.

7. Once the application is approved, you will receive confirmation on your Absher dashboard.

The extension will automatically update in the government system, and you can print the confirmation for your records.

Offline Process for Visa Extension

If you cannot apply online due to account issues or technical problems, you can extend your visit visa by visiting the nearest Jawazat (Passport Office). Take your documents, including the visitor’s passport, current visa, and proof of payment.
At the counter, the officer will check your details and may ask for additional information. After approval, you will get a visa extension stamp on the passport or a digital confirmation through Absher.

Visit Visa Extension Fees and Duration

The Saudi government charges a specific fee for each visa extension. The standard visit visa extension fee is usually 100 Saudi Riyals per month for each visitor.
You can extend the visa several times until the total duration reaches 180 days for single-entry visas or up to one year for multiple-entry visas, depending on the original visa type.
Always check your visa details on Absher before making payment, as fees and rules can change based on current regulations.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Sometimes, visa extension applications get rejected due to small mistakes. To avoid rejection, keep the following points in mind:

• Apply before the visa expiry date.

• Make sure the visitor is inside Saudi Arabia during application.

• Confirm that all details match the official records.

• Update medical insurance before submitting the request.

• Avoid overstaying the visa as fines may apply.

If your application is rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue or visit the Jawazat office for clarification.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Renewal Process

• Always keep your Absher account active and updated.

• Pay the extension fee using your preferred Saudi bank or SADAD system.

• Make sure your visitor’s insurance is valid for the entire extended period.

• Keep a soft copy of all your documents.

• Do not wait until the last day to apply for the extension.

Following these tips can help you complete the process easily and avoid unnecessary stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I extend my visit visa after it expires?
No, you must apply before the expiry date to avoid penalties or rejection.

2. How many times can I extend my visit visa in Saudi Arabia?
You can usually extend a visit visa up to six months total, but this can vary depending on your visa type.

3. Can I extend a visit visa for someone outside Saudi Arabia?
No, the visitor must be inside the Kingdom when you apply for an extension.

4. Is health insurance required for extension?
Yes, valid health insurance is mandatory for all visit visa extensions.

5. How long does it take to get approval?
Most online extensions are approved instantly, but sometimes it may take up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

Extending a visit visa in Saudi Arabia has become a simple and convenient process, especially with online services like Absher. By preparing your documents, understanding the rules, and following the correct steps, you can renew your visa without any difficulty. Always apply before your visa expires and keep your records updated to enjoy a smooth and legal stay in the Kingdom.