Saudi Arabia resumes fines for overstaying Umrah and visit visas

Saudi Arabia’s conflict-related visa extension grace period ended April 18, 2026 and the standard overstay rules now apply to visit, Umrah, transit and final exit visas. The Ministry of Interior said the temporary window covered visas that expired on or after Feb. 25, 2026, giving travelers a chance to leave or extend without penalty.

During the grace period, eligible travelers could regularize status through Absher or exit the kingdom without fines. That option is now closed and late departures can trigger fines, detention, deportation and reentry bans, according to Jawazat.

Who feels the change

The rule hits tourists, Umrah pilgrims, transit passengers and others who stayed put because regional disruptions made travel difficult. It doesn’t target work-residency holders directly, but anyone still in Saudi Arabia on a short-term visa now faces the usual enforcement.

Penalties can include fines of up to SR50,000 ($13,000), up to six months in prison and deportation. For repeat or serious cases, reentry bans can also follow.

What to do now

Travelers with expired short-term visas should check their status on Absher right away and settle any overstay issues through the platform or other Ministry of Interior channels. Saudi authorities also list 992 as the Jawazat help line for assistance.

For nomads and long-stay visitors, the main risk is simple: once the grace period ended, the clock on penalties restarted. Read our full Saudi Arabia guide for the complete picture and keep an eye on visa updates for policy changes that affect travel plans.