Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports, known as Jawazat, has confirmed that eligible visit visas can now be extended online through the Absher platform, removing the need to attend a passport office in person. The change applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visit visas.
The update is significant for visitors and their sponsors inside the Kingdom, including families who host relatives for extended stays. Many travellers combine a visit with worship at the holy sites, so a smoother extension process can ease the burden of managing paperwork while in Saudi Arabia.
Who can apply and the conditions
According to the details reported by Hajj Reporters, the extension request must be submitted through the host's Absher account, and the visitor must be physically present inside Saudi Arabia at the time of the request. Several conditions apply before an extension can be approved.
The visitor needs a valid passport and valid medical insurance. All extension fees must be paid in full, and there must be no unpaid traffic violations linked to the sponsor. Timing also matters: applications should be made when the visa has seven days or less remaining, or within three days after the visa has expired.
How the online process works
The extension is handled entirely through the Absher platform, which already serves as the main gateway for a wide range of government services in Saudi Arabia. Users navigate to the passport services section to complete the request.
The path within the platform runs from Absher to My Services, then Passports, then Visitor Services, and finally the Visit Visa Extension option. Once the request is submitted and fees are settled, the extension is processed digitally, avoiding a trip to a Jawazat branch.
The move fits a broader pattern of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, where an increasing number of visa, travel and pilgrimage services have shifted to online platforms such as Absher and Nusuk. The aim is to reduce queues, cut paperwork and give visitors and residents more control over routine administrative tasks.
Practical advice for visitors and sponsors
Sponsors and visitors should prepare in advance to avoid last-minute problems. Confirm that the visitor holds valid medical insurance covering the extended period, since this is a firm requirement. Settle any outstanding traffic fines before applying, as unpaid violations can block the request.
It is also wise to act within the permitted window rather than waiting until the visa has lapsed. Applying when seven days or fewer remain, or within three days of expiry, keeps the request inside the approved timeframe. As always, travellers should rely on the official Absher platform and verify the latest fees and rules through official government channels before making any payment.