Saudi Arabia extends visa validity for stranded visitors amid regional crisis

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday extended the validity of all types of visas until April 18, 2026, to facilitate visitors stranded due to the ongoing regional situation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the extension applies to visas that expired on or after February 25, 2026, including visit, Umrah, transit and final exit visas, for individuals unable to leave the Kingdom due to current circumstances.

The ministry directed affected visa holders to proceed directly to departure ports, where exit procedures will be completed smoothly without the need for prior arrangements. It also clarified that no fees will be charged for those availing the facility and departing directly.

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The move comes as a large number of foreign nationals remain stranded in Saudi Arabia due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The situation has severely impacted air travel across the region, with multiple countries closing their airspace and several airlines suspending operations following retaliatory attacks by Iran across Gulf nations.