Saudi Exit Re-Entry Visa 2026: Essential Guide & Fees

Quick answer: As of October 2026, a Saudi Exit/Re-Entry Visa costs SAR 200 for a single entry or SAR 400 for multiple entries (up to six months), and a Muqeem status check is SAR 50 with results delivered within 48 hours. Both services are processed online via the Absher portal.

What is the Saudi Exit Re-Entry Visa and who needs it?

The Saudi Exit Re-Entry Visa is a short‑term travel permit issued to residents (Muqeem) who must leave the Kingdom temporarily and return without surrendering their iqama. It is mandatory for anyone whose stay abroad exceeds 30 days or who travels for work assignments, family visits, or medical reasons.

• Eligible applicants: Saudi residents (Muqeem), expatriates holding a valid iqama, and dependents on a family visa.
• Single‑entry visa: valid for one exit and re‑entry within 30 days.
• Multiple‑entry visa: allows repeated travel for up to six months.
• When required: any travel beyond 30 days, government‑approved overseas projects, or sponsor‑requested controlled exits.

How much does a Saudi Exit/Re-Entry Visa cost in 2026?

2026 introduced a tiered fee structure:

• Single entry – SAR 200 (≈ USD 53).
• Multiple entry – SAR 400 (≈ USD 107) – valid for up to six months.

Payments can be made through the Absher portal, at any Saudi bank, or at authorized payment centres.

How can I check my Muqeem (resident) status online?

Checking Muqeem status is now a 48‑hour service. Follow these steps on the Absher portal:

1. Log in to Absher using your iqama number and password.
2. Navigate to Services → Muqeem Status.
3. Upload a clear scan of your iqama front and back.
4. Pay SAR 50 (online or via prepaid balance).
5. Submit the request; a PDF report arrives within 48 hours.

The report shows residency validity, sponsor name, any travel restrictions, and the latest amendment notes.

If the status remains “Pending” after 48 hours, contact the Ministry of Interior Call Centre (9200) or visit the nearest General Directorate of Passports office.

Step‑by‑step application on Absher (2026)

The Absher portal streamlines the entire process. Below is a detailed walkthrough to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Prepare documents: valid iqama (front & back), passport copy, sponsor’s NOC (if required), and a recent passport‑size photo.
2. Log in: Use your Absher credentials. If you’ve forgotten your password, click “Forgot Password” and follow the SMS verification.
3. Select service: Go to Services → Exit/Re‑Entry Visa. Choose “Single Entry” or “Multiple Entry” based on your travel plan.
4. Enter travel details: Provide intended departure date, expected return date, and purpose of travel (e.g., business, medical, family).
5. Pay the fee: Choose a payment method – credit/debit card, Saudi bank transfer, or prepaid balance. A receipt is generated instantly.
6. Submit and receive confirmation: After submission you’ll get a reference number. The visa is usually approved within 30 minutes, but allow up to 2 hours during peak periods.
7. Print or download: The approved visa appears as a PDF. Print it and keep it handy at the airport; a digital copy is also accepted.

For any issues, the portal’s live chat (available 08:00‑20:00 AST) connects you to a Ministry of Interior representative.

Common issues and how to resolve them

• “Insufficient balance” error: Ensure your prepaid Absher balance covers both the visa fee and the SAR 50 Muqeem check. Top‑up via any Saudi bank or the Ministry of Interior payment gateway.
• Document upload rejected: Use a high‑resolution scan (minimum 300 dpi) and keep the file size under 2 MB. JPEG or PDF formats are accepted.
• Visa not approved within 2 hours: Check for any travel bans on your sponsor’s name. If none, contact the Absher help desk or visit the nearest General Directorate of Passports.
• Expired iqama: The system will block the application. Renew the iqama first through the Ministry of Interior portal.

What are the new gratuity calculation rules in Saudi Arabia for 2026?

The 2026 labour‑law amendment changes the end‑of‑service gratuity formula:

• Gratuity is now calculated on the last 12 months of basic salary, not on the entire contract period.
• For contracts longer than five years, the gratuity is capped at 24 months of wages.
• Formula: Gratuity = (Last 12 months salary ÷ 12) × 2 months for each year of service, up to the 24‑month cap.

Example: An expatriate engineer earning SAR 18,000 per month, with 6 years of service, would receive:

• Average of last 12 months = SAR 18,000.
• Gratuity per year = SAR 18,000 × 2 = SAR 36,000.
• Maximum payable = 24 months × SAR 18,000 = SAR 432,000.

Employers must reflect this calculation in the final settlement and disclose it in the employment contract.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Dubai in 2026?

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MHRE) reports the following average processing times for 2026:

• Skilled professions (engineers, IT, finance): 10 business days.
• Semi‑skilled occupations (hospitality, retail): 14 business days.

Required documents include:

1. Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months).
2. Sponsor’s trade licence and a No‑Objection Certificate.
3. Emirates ID registration receipt.
4. Health‑insurance coverage proof.

All applications are submitted through the eVisa platform. To avoid delays, ensure the sponsor obtains pre‑approval from the Ministry before the employee’s arrival.

Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a GCC licence in 2026?

Each GCC state retains its own conversion rules, but the general steps are similar:

Common requirements:

• Original foreign licence (must be valid).
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Passport‑size photos (white background).
• Proof of residency (iqama, residence permit, or Saudi Muqeem status).

Note: Some GCC states still require a full re‑test for heavy‑vehicle or motorcycle licences.

What are the latest public holidays in the GCC for 2026?

Public holidays are announced by each Ministry of Interior. Below are the confirmed dates for 2026 (subject to moon‑sighting adjustments):

During these holidays, government offices—including visa and labour‑ministry departments—may operate on reduced schedules, extending typical processing times by 2‑4 days.

How does the cost of living compare across the six GCC countries in 2026?

Numbeo’s 2026 cost‑of‑living index shows Bahrain at 78, the highest among the GCC. Below is a snapshot of key monthly expenses for a single expatriate:

When paired with average expatriate salaries (see next table), you can gauge purchasing power in each market.

Visa fee comparison across the GCC (2026)

All fees are payable online through the respective country’s official portal (e.g., Absher for Saudi Arabia, eVisa for UAE). Exchange‑rate conversions are for reference only.

Average expatriate salaries by sector in the GCC (2026)

These figures come from the GCC Statistics portal (gccstat.org) and reflect gross salaries before tax or housing allowance.

Key takeaways

• Saudi Exit/Re‑Entry Visa 2026 fees: SAR 200 (single) or SAR 400 (multiple), payable via Absher.
• Muqeem status checks cost SAR 50 and are returned within 48 hours.
• New Saudi gratuity rule caps end‑of‑service pay at 24 months and uses the last 12 months of salary for calculation.
• Dubai work permits average 10 business days for skilled roles; ensure all documents are pre‑approved.
• Cost‑of‑living varies widely—Bahrain tops the index, while Oman remains the most affordable for housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I apply for a Saudi Exit/Re‑Entry Visa if my iqama expires within 30 days?
  A: No. The iqama must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the intended return date. Renew it first via the Ministry of Interior.
• Q: Is the Muqeem status check required for every exit?
  A: It is not mandatory for each trip, but many sponsors request an up‑to‑date status before granting travel permission.
• Q: Do the new gratuity rules affect Saudi nationals?
  A: The amendment applies to all employees covered by the Saudi Labour Law, both expatriates and Saudi nationals.
• Q: How do I convert my UAE driving licence to a Saudi licence?
  A: Submit your UAE licence, passport, iqama, medical fitness certificate, and pay SAR 300 at the nearest General Directorate of Passports. A theory test is required; practical test is waived for most categories.
• Q: Are there any extra fees for renewing a Saudi Exit/Re‑Entry Visa?
  A: Renewal follows the same fee structure (SAR 200 or SAR 400) and is processed through Absher.

Related: Saudi visa status 2026: 7 Quick Steps to Verify Instantly