Kamal Ghorui
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has directed visa holders to a single helpline for resolving status-related queries, as an earlier relief measure for expired visas approaches its final deadline.
Unified helpline number for visa-related queries
The General Directorate of Passports has stated that individuals seeking clarification on visa status can now contact the unified number 992.This applies to enquiries related to:All types of visit visas
- Umrah visas
- Transit visas
- Final exit visas
The helpline is specifically meant for cases involving visas that had expired as of February 25, 2026, allowing affected individuals to obtain guidance on their status and next steps.
Relief measures for stranded visitor
The announcement comes in the context of directives issued earlier by the Ministry of Interior under instructions from the Saudi leadership.These measures were introduced to address the situation of visa holders who were unable to leave the Kingdom due to prevailing regional circumstances. As part of this initiative, authorities began rectifying the status of affected individuals across multiple visa categories.
Extension window and exit flexibility
Under the earlier directive, visit visas of all types, along with Umrah, transit and final exit visas that expired by February 25, 2026, were made eligible for extension. These extensions can be requested by the visitor’s host through the Absher platform after paying the legally mandated fees, with the window open until April 18, 2026.At the same time, authorities allowed an alternative route for those who prefer to leave instead of extending their stay. Eligible visa holders are permitted to depart directly through international exit points without extending their visas, and without paying any fees or late fines. This provision offers immediate exit while avoiding penalties.
Deadline approaches for compliance
Authorities have reiterated that all beneficiaries must act before April 18, 2026.Individuals are expected to either complete the extension process through official channels or depart the Kingdom within the permitted timeframe. Failure to comply within the deadline will lead to enforcement of applicable regulations against violators.The newly highlighted helpline is intended to streamline communication and ensure that affected individuals can resolve their queries without confusion as the deadline nears.
