Extending Expired Visas: Passports Department Announces Helpline Number
The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia announced new measures to facilitate the extension of expired visitor visas for those currently in the Kingdom, along with a dedicated hotline for immediate support and assistance. The Directorate clarified that holders of all types of visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and expired final exit visas can contact the unified number (992) directly for inquiries and guidance on easily and conveniently regularizing their legal status.
Steps and conditions for extending expired visas via the Absher platform
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed that it has already begun implementing procedures to extend expired visas starting from 8 Sha'ban 1447 AH (corresponding to February 25, 2026), and this procedure will continue until 1 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (corresponding to April 18, 2026). This process is based on a request submitted by the visitor's host through the "Absher" electronic platform, after payment of the legally required fees, thus ensuring the continued legal stay of visitors without incurring any fines.
In a related context, the Passports Department clarified that holders of these expired visas (visit, Umrah, transit, final exit) can leave through the Kingdom’s international ports directly without needing to extend their visas or pay any fees or late fines, provided that the validity of their visas has expired during the specified period starting from February 25, 2026.
Digital transformation and facilitating procedures for pilgrims
This step comes as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to develop its digital government services system, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Recent years have witnessed a qualitative leap in the services provided by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports, with most traditional paper-based transactions being transformed into fast and secure cloud-based services through platforms such as "Absher" and "Muqeem." This development contributes to facilitating the experience of visitors and pilgrims from the moment they arrive until their departure from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom's advanced and sophisticated approach to crowd management and logistics.
The economic and social impact of the new facilities
At the local and regional levels, these facilitations contribute to strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading global tourist and religious destination. Through streamlined procedures and the provision of direct communication channels such as the 992 hotline, visitors and pilgrims feel safe and comfortable, encouraging increased tourism and positively impacting the hospitality, aviation, and retail sectors. Internationally, these initiatives enhance the Kingdom's diplomatic and cultural relations with various countries around the world and underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the best possible care for its guests, while maintaining regulations and laws that ensure the safety and security of all and curb the phenomenon of illegal residency.
