Saudi Passport Authority Issues Urgent Travel Restrictions for Residents: Exit and Return Banned Until Conditions Met

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has issued an urgent directive affecting all expatriates in the Kingdom, stating that no exit or re-entry will be permitted without fulfilling specific conditions related to visa compliance, and documentation.

The announcement, reported by Yemeni news outlet يمن برس, emphasizes that residents must ensure their Exit/Re-Entry visas are valid and properly managed before attempting to leave or return to Saudi Arabia. Failure to comply may result in being denied exit or re-entry at borders.

According to the report, Jawazat has intensified enforcement of existing regulations requiring expatriates to obtain an Exit/Re-Entry Visa through the Absher platform or their employer’s HR department before temporary travel outside the Kingdom. This visa allows legal departure and return without canceling the Iqama (residency permit).

Jawazat has also warned that overstaying the validity of an Exit/Re-Entry Visa may lead to fines, travel bans, or deportation, reinforcing the need for timely compliance with visa conditions.