How to Extend Your Wife's Exit/Re-Entry Visa While She's Abroad — 2025 Guide

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) allows sponsors to extend an exit and re‑entry visa for a wife or other dependents who are currently outside the Kingdom — without the dependent having to return first. This practical 2025 guide explains the official steps, conditions, fees, and common pitfalls so Saudi expat families can manage travel plans smoothly.

Quick overview

Key points at a glance:

• Extensions can be completed electronically by the sponsor (expat or employer) via Absher or the Muqeem platform.
• The dependent must be outside Saudi Arabia at the time of extension.
• Maximum total extension allowed for exit/re‑entry visas is 180 days.
• Fees must be paid through official channels such as SADAD.
• Check official rules via the Ministry of Interior and Jawazat pages on the Ministry of Interior website.

Who can apply and when

The sponsor (the head of household registered in Saudi Arabia) or an authorized employer can request the extension electronically as long as:

• The sponsor’s and the beneficiary’s residency and status are valid (no death, no “absent”, and no major violations such as Istiqdam penalties).
• The beneficiary is physically outside the Kingdom when the extension is submitted.
• The requested return date or period meets the Iqama-validity requirements described below.

Step-by-step: How to extend the visa via Absher

Absher provides the most common route for sponsors to extend exit/re‑entry visas. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Open Absher Individuals and log in with your username or ID and password.
2. Enter the one‑time code sent to your registered mobile number.
3. Go to Electronic Services > Family Members > Visa Services.
4. Read the terms and conditions and click "Agree".
5. Locate the dependent (the wife) and review her information.
6. Select the extension option: either a specific return date or a duration in days.
7. Confirm the extension and pay the required fee through SADAD or the available payment option in Absher.
8. After successful payment you will receive a confirmation message in Absher and an SMS confirming the extension.

If you prefer, some employers and sponsors use Muqeem to complete similar services — check with your employer or HR provider for access.

Official conditions and rules (2025)

Be aware of these verified conditions before you apply:

• Sponsor and beneficiary status: Both must be active and valid — no death, no “reported absent” status, and the sponsor must not have disqualifying violations.
• Beneficiary location: The wife must be outside Saudi Arabia at the time of the extension request.
• Timing relative to Iqama expiry: The chosen return date must be at least 7 days before the sponsor’s Iqama expiry.
• Iqama validity rule: If selecting the “Duration in Days” option, the sponsor’s Iqama must be valid for the extension duration plus at least 90 additional days.
• Calendar used: If Hijri and Gregorian dates differ, the Gregorian date will be used for the visa.
• Fees and payment: Extension fees must be paid through official channels (SADAD or Absher/Muqeem payment gateways). Typical fees in 2025: SAR 200 for single exit/re‑entry visas and SAR 500 for multiple‑entry, but check Absher/Muqeem during payment for the exact amount to be charged.
• Maximum extension: The visa cannot be extended for more than 180 days in total across extensions.
• No refunds: Authorities have confirmed that visa/extension fees are non‑refundable if a visa is cancelled or unused.

Important recent developments to note

A few recent changes affect timelines and eligibility:

• Temporary measures such as a 30‑day grace period announced in 2025 apply to expired visit visas for departing without penalties — this does not allow extension or reactivation of exit/re‑entry visas during that grace window.
• Temporary suspensions or quota changes for certain nationalities and seasons (for example, Hajj-related adjustments) may affect visa issuance and travel. Always verify specific nationality rules with the Ministry of Interior or consular advisories before booking travel.

Common pitfalls and tips to avoid delays

• Double‑check that the wife’s passport is valid for the planned return date — some airlines will refuse boarding if passport validity is too short.
• Confirm the sponsor’s Iqama validity meets the "duration plus 90 days" rule before choosing the duration option.
• Make payments via SADAD or the in‑platform payment option; keep screenshots of confirmation and any SMS receipts.
• If you encounter errors on Absher, try clearing your browser cache or use the mobile app. Persistent problems should be raised with your local Jawazat office or employer’s HR.
• Do not wait until the last day—submit the extension well in advance to allow for processing and payment issues.

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend the visa if the wife is already back in Saudi Arabia?

No. Extensions under this electronic route are only allowed while the beneficiary is outside the Kingdom. If she is inside, different procedures may apply.

What happens if the Iqama expires before the return date?

If the Iqama will expire before the planned return, you must renew the Iqama first. The extension validity depends on the Iqama meeting the required validity rules.

Are extension fees refundable if I cancel the plan?

Current rules state that visa and extension fees are non‑refundable. Always confirm charges before paying.

Where to get official help

Use these official resources for authoritative guidance and to perform the service:

• Absher Individuals: https://www.absher.sa
• Muqeem portal: https://muqeem.sa
• Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Jawazat information: https://www.moi.gov.sa
• SADAD payment system: https://www.sadad.com.sa

Bottom line

Saudi authorities provide a convenient electronic route to extend an exit/re‑entry visa for a wife or other dependents who are outside the Kingdom, saving unnecessary travel and administrative hassle. Follow the Absher or Muqeem steps, confirm all eligibility rules (Iqama validity, timing, and payment), and keep digital proof of payment and confirmations to avoid problems at re‑entry.

Regulations can change, especially during peak seasons or special administrative updates — check the Ministry of Interior or Absher for the latest notices before applying.