Saudi Arabia Offers Free Visit Visa Extension for Those in Countries Facing Travel Ban

The validity of visit visas for citizens of countries subject to travel bans has been extended until September 30, according to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a statement on the ministry’s Twitter account, visa extensions will be granted automatically and without charge. Filing for a visa extension can be done online.

Saudi Arabia Offers Free Visit Visa Extension for Those in Countries Facing Travel Ban
Credits: @KSAMOFA / Twitter

Free Visit Visa Extension for People in Countries with Travel Ban – Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry

Holders of visit visas whose validity had expired during the period when direct entrance to Saudi Arabia from these countries was suspended following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic will benefit from this, according to the ministry, the Khaleej Times reported.

The action, according to the statement, is part of the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to address the effects and implications of Covid-19, as well as to mitigate its economic and financial consequences, as reported by Saudi Gazette.

Last month, the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) began automatically extending the validity of expatriates’ iqama (residency permit) and exit and re-entry visas, as well as the validity of visit visas without payments, until August 31. This extension, which came as a result of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s directions, was only for expatriates and foreigners from countries that were subject to a travel restriction.

India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Lebanon are currently subject to a travel ban.

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