Saudi Arabia has made it possible to extend visit visas online, removing the need to visit a passport office in person. The General Directorate of Passports, known as Jawazat, confirmed that eligible single-entry and multiple-entry visit visas can now be extended through the Absher platform, the kingdom's main government e-services portal.
The change is aimed at visitors already inside the kingdom and the residents who host them. For families receiving relatives and for pilgrims travelling on visit visas outside the Hajj season, the update means a routine extension no longer requires a trip to a Jawazat branch.
Who qualifies and what is required
According to Jawazat, the extension request must be submitted through the host's Absher account, and the visitor must be physically present in Saudi Arabia at the time of application. Several conditions apply before an extension is approved.
The visitor must hold a valid passport and valid medical insurance, all extension fees must be paid, and there must be no unpaid traffic violations linked to the host. Timing also matters: applications should be made when the visa has seven days or fewer remaining, or within three days after the visa has expired. Applicants who fall outside that window may not be able to complete the process online.
How the process works
The extension is handled entirely within the Absher app or website. The host signs in and follows the path from the main menu to My Services, then Passports, then Visitor Services, and finally Visit Visa Extension. From there the system checks eligibility, calculates fees and processes the request once payment is confirmed.
Because the request runs through the host's verified account, the responsibility for accuracy rests with the sponsor rather than the visitor. Hosts should make sure the visitor's insurance is current and that no outstanding fines remain, since either issue can block the application.
Practical guidance for visitors
The online route reflects a broader push to move Saudi government services onto digital platforms such as Absher and Nusuk, reducing queues and paperwork for residents and visitors alike. For those planning to use it, a few steps can prevent delays.
Check the visa's remaining validity early and set a reminder a week or two before it lapses, so the seven-day window is not missed. Confirm that medical insurance covers the full extended period, as an expired policy is a common reason for rejection. Clear any traffic fines in advance, keep the passport valid well beyond the intended stay, and retain the payment confirmation once the extension is granted. Visitors should also remember that a visit visa cannot be used to remain in the kingdom during the Hajj season, and that separate Umrah permits through Nusuk are still required for those intending to perform the rites.