The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the allocation of the unified number 992 to receive inquiries related to correcting the status of all types of visas, including visit, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas that have expired as of February 25, 2026. This announcement comes as part of the implementation of directives from Saudi leadership, as the Ministry of Interior has recently begun correcting the status of visa holders who have been unable to leave the Kingdom due to current regional circumstances.
The ministry also clarified that visit visas of all types, as well as Umrah, transit, and final exit visas, can be extended upon the request of the visitor's host until April 18, 2026, provided that the legal fees are paid through the Absher platform. The ministry confirmed that holders of these expired visas can leave the Kingdom through international points directly, without the need to extend their visas or pay any fees or late penalties.
Details of the Announcement
This step comes at a sensitive time for the region, as many visitors and residents seek to correct their legal statuses. Official spokespersons indicated that these measures aim to facilitate the departure of visitors whose situations have been affected by exceptional circumstances, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing support to residents and visitors.
The ministry urged all beneficiaries of these directives to leave the Kingdom before April 18 to avoid the application of existing regulations against violators. This move appears to be aimed at organizing visa statuses and alleviating pressure on the judicial system in the Kingdom.
Background & Context
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the main destinations for visitors from around the world, whether for Umrah or visit purposes. With the increasing regional challenges, it has become essential for the Saudi government to take steps to ensure the safety of visitors and facilitate their departure. In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed significant changes in its visa policies, reflecting its desire to improve the visitor experience.
Historically, there have been periods of instability in the region, affecting travel and mobility. However, the current measures indicate that the Kingdom is striving to provide a safe and comfortable environment for visitors and residents.
Impact & Consequences
These measures are expected to positively impact tourism in the Kingdom, as they will encourage visitors to continue coming to the country without fear of facing legal issues related to their visas. This step may also enhance the Kingdom's reputation as a safe and attractive destination for tourism.
Moreover, facilitating the departure of visitors may help reduce pressure on local authorities, allowing them to focus on improving services provided to residents and visitors. These measures may also contribute to enhancing the Kingdom's international relations with other countries by improving its image in the international community.
Regional Significance
This step is part of the Kingdom's efforts to enhance regional cooperation in tourism and mobility. Given the current circumstances faced by many Arab countries, facilitating the movement of visitors could have a positive impact on relations between Arab nations.
Additionally, these measures may inspire other countries in the region to adopt similar policies, contributing to the enhancement of regional tourism and increasing opportunities for cooperation among Arab countries.
In conclusion, these steps reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing support to visitors and residents, contributing to the enhancement of tourism and improving the Kingdom's image on the international stage.