What is an exit re-entry visa?
An exit re-entry visa (Arabic: tasheera khuruj wa awda) is a permit that authorizes a Saudi resident holding a valid Iqama to leave the Kingdom temporarily and return before the visa expires, without losing their residency status. Without this permit, departing Saudi Arabia on a resident's Iqama can result in the residency being treated as abandoned. The visa is issued for a defined validity period - either single-use (one departure and one return) or multiple-use (multiple departures and returns within the stated period) - and the resident must complete their return before the visa expires.
Exit re-entry visas are primarily processed through the Absher platform by the individual resident, or through Muqeem by the employer. Under reforms introduced over the years, many private-sector employees are now able to issue exit re-entry visas for themselves through Absher without requiring explicit employer approval, though this depends on their visa category and employment arrangement. Confirm whether self-service applies to your situation before your travel date.
How to get an exit re-entry visa
- Check your eligibility for self-service: Log in to Absher Afrad. If your category permits self-issuance, the option to request an exit re-entry visa will be available under your services menu. If it is not available, your employer must initiate the visa through Muqeem.
- Select the visa type: Choose single-exit or multiple-exit depending on how often you intend to travel during the period. A multiple-exit visa typically costs more but allows flexibility for frequent travel.
- Set the validity period and confirm fees: Select the duration that covers your full travel plans. The government fee depends on the visa type and duration; confirm the current fee on Absher before finalizing. Do not select a period shorter than your planned stay abroad.
- Complete payment: Pay the government fee through Absher using a linked payment method. The visa is issued electronically; no physical stamp is typically required in advance.
- Verify before travel: Confirm the visa is reflected in your Absher records before departing. Carry your Iqama and the visa confirmation when you travel.
- Return before expiry: Ensure you land back in Saudi Arabia before the visa's expiry date. Returning after the visa has lapsed can affect your Iqama status and may trigger fines.
Confirm all current steps, fees, and eligibility conditions through Absher or Muqeem before issuing, as the process is updated periodically.
Rules, validity and cost
Exit re-entry visas are tied to the validity of your Iqama: if your Iqama expires while you are abroad, the visa may be rendered ineffective and your Iqama status may lapse. Always check that your Iqama has sufficient remaining validity to cover your planned travel duration plus a safety margin. The government fee for an exit re-entry visa varies by type and duration; confirm the current rates through Absher or the Wathim exit re-entry fee calculator as a general reference, then verify with the official platform before payment.
What expats should know
If you are stranded abroad and your exit re-entry visa is close to expiry or has already lapsed, do not simply book a return flight and hope for the best. Contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate and MHRSD to understand your options, which may include an emergency return authorization in some circumstances. Employers do not have the right to refuse an exit re-entry visa for personal leave in all categories; if your employer is blocking legitimate travel, you may have recourse through the Qiwa labor platform. Always issue the visa before you travel, not at the airport, and give yourself a buffer of several days before the expiry date to account for travel delays.