Quick Answer
To check Saudi visa validity online in 2026, use one of three official platforms:
- Muqeem portal (muqeem.sa) for exit/re-entry visa checks: log in, select Visa Validity, enter your Iqama or visa number, and confirm with a secondary identifier
- Absher (absher.sa) for residents: log in, go to Inquiries, Passport, then Exit/Entry Visa Status
- MOFA (visa.mofa.gov.sa) for visitor and business visas: enter your application number and passport number
Results appear instantly on all three platforms.
Quick Facts
- Muqeem: Check exit/re-entry visa validity; login required as of 2026
- Absher: Access exit/re-entry visa, Iqama status, dependents, and resident services
- MOFA: Check visitor, tourist, business, family, and Umrah visa status
- Final exit visa: Available through Absher or the Ministry of Labor portal, not Muqeem
- Login required (Muqeem): Yes — account login mandatory in 2026
- Login required (Absher): Yes — registered Absher account needed
- Login required (MOFA): No — use application number and passport number only
- 2024 policy update: Saudi Arabia removed the 3-year re-entry ban for overstaying
- Can check dependents: Yes — through the sponsor’s Absher account
- All platforms: Available in both Arabic and English
Why Checking Your Saudi Visa Validity Matters
Saudi Arabia is home to over 13 million expatriate workers and receives millions of visitors annually. Whether you are a resident planning a trip home, a family member arriving on a visit visa, or a domestic worker needing to verify exit/re-entry permissions, knowing your exact visa status before you travel is essential.
The consequences of an expired or overlooked visa can be serious: fines, inability to re-enter the Kingdom, complications with your employer’s Iqama sponsorship, and, in some cases, legal proceedings. Saudi Arabia has made the process significantly easier through digital platforms, but the system still requires you to use the right portal for your specific visa type.
Common reasons to check your visa validity:
- Before booking any international travel, confirm that your exit/re-entry visa covers your return date
- When your Iqama is approaching renewal, to understand your current visa status
- After your sponsor issues or renews your exit/re-entry visa, confirm it is active in the system
- When a family member is abroad to verify their re-entry visa is still valid
- To confirm how many days remain before a visit visa expires to avoid overstay fines
Understanding the Different Visa Types
Before using any portal, it helps to know which visa type you are checking:
Exit/Re-Entry Visa: Issued by your employer (sponsor) through Muqeem, this visa allows you to leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia within a specified period. It can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
There are two sub-types:
- Visas measured in days (60, 90, or 120 days): Validity starts from the date of your actual departure from Saudi Arabia, not the issue date. You must travel within 3 months of the visa being issued.
- Visas measured in months: Count from the date of first departure.
Final Exit Visa: Issued when a resident is leaving Saudi Arabia permanently and surrendering their Iqama. This visa cannot be checked on Muqeem; use Absher or the Ministry of Labor portal.
Visit Visa (Family or Tourist): Issued by MOFA for relatives or tourists coming to Saudi Arabia. Check on the MOFA portal using an application number and passport number.
Tourist Visa: Multiple-entry tourist visas are valid for 1 year from the issue date, with each stay limited to 90 days. Check via MOFA.
Business Visa: Typically valid for 30 to 90 days. Verify on MOFA or through the sponsoring entity.
Umrah Visa: Valid for 3 months (90 days) from issue date. Check via MOFA.
Hajj Visa: Valid for 30 days. Check via MOFA.
Method 1: Muqeem Portal (Exit/Re-Entry Visa Check)
The Muqeem portal (vv.muqeem.sa) is operated by ELM (Electronic Government Solutions Company) in partnership with the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). It is the primary platform for checking exit/re-entry visa validity in Saudi Arabia.
Key 2026 Update: Login Now Required
Previously, Muqeem allowed visa validity checks without logging in. As of 2026, the portal requires you to sign in or create an account before accessing the Visa Validity service. If you do not have a Muqeem account, you can register directly on the portal using your Iqama number.
Step-by-Step: Check Exit/Re-Entry Visa Validity on Muqeem
- Open a web browser and go to vv.muqeem.sa
- Click the English language option if you prefer English
- Click Login and enter your username and password
- If you do not have an account, click Register and complete the sign-up with your Iqama number and mobile number
- After logging in, select Visa Validity from the available services
- Select the visa type: choose Exit/Re-Entry Visa
- Enter your Iqama number in the designated field
- Select one secondary identifier to cross-verify:
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Full name
- Iqama expiry date
- Visa expiry date
- Click Check
- The system displays your complete visa details:
- Visa type (single or multiple entry)
- Visa number
- Issue date
- Return before date (last date to re-enter Saudi Arabia)
- Duration of stay allowed
- Current location status (inside or outside Saudi Arabia)
Printing Your Visa from Muqeem
If you need a printed copy of your exit/re-entry visa details:
- After your visa details appear, look for the Print option on the results page
- Click Print and save as PDF or send to a printer
Electronic exit/re-entry visas issued through Muqeem do not require a printed copy to travel. The visa is registered electronically and verified at border control through the passport scan.
Method 2: Absher Portal (All Resident Visa Services)
Absher (absher.sa) is the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s main digital services platform for individuals. It provides a broader range of services than Muqeem, including exit/re-entry visa checks, final exit visa status, dependent visa management, Iqama services, and civil affairs.
When to Use Absher Instead of Muqeem
Use Absher if:
- You want to check the status of your exit/re-entry visa with more detail (active, used, expired, or canceled status)
- You need to check a final exit visa (Muqeem does not display these)
- You want to manage or extend dependent family member visas
- You are the sponsor and need to issue a new exit/re-entry visa for an employee
- You need to print the visa from your personal account
Step-by-Step: Check Exit/Re-Entry Visa Validity on Absher
- Go to absher.sa or open the Absher mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
- Click Individuals and log in with your username and password
- If you do not have an account, you must register at a Saudi government service center with your Iqama
- From the main dashboard, go to Passport Services or navigate to Inquiries
- Select Exit/Entry Visa Status (or look under Passport, then Exit/Re-Entry Visa)
- Enter your Iqama number and any other required fields, such as date of birth or sponsor ID
- Click View or Inquire
- The system shows:
- Whether the visa is active, expired, used, or canceled
- Visa issue date and expiry date
- Single or multiple entry
- Whether you are currently inside or outside Saudi Arabia
Checking Dependents’ Visa Status on Absher
If you are a sponsor for family members or domestic workers, you can view all dependent visa statuses from your Absher account:
- Log in to Absher as the sponsor
- Go to Sponsored Services or Family Members
- Select Inquiries, then Exit and Re-Entry Visa Status
- Choose the individual whose visa you want to check
Extending a Dependent’s Exit/Re-Entry Visa via Absher
If a dependent family member is currently outside Saudi Arabia and their visa is approaching expiry:
- Log in to Absher as the sponsor
- Go to Services, then Family Members
- Select Visa Services
- Follow the prompts to extend the visa and pay any applicable extension fees
Method 3: MOFA Portal (Visitor, Tourist, and Business Visas)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal handles visa status for people who have applied for a Saudi visa from outside the Kingdom. This includes tourist visas, family visit visas, business visas, Umrah visas, and Hajj visas.
When to Use MOFA
Use the MOFA portal if:
- You are outside Saudi Arabia and applied for a visa through an embassy or online
- You want to verify if a tourist or family visit visa has been approved
- You want to confirm the Umrah or Hajj visa status for pilgrims
Step-by-Step: Check Visa Status on MOFA
- Go to visa.mofa.gov.sa or the main MOFA website at mofa.gov.sa
- Look for the Visa Inquiry or Check Visa Application section
- Enter your MOFA Application Number (given when you submitted the visa application)
- Enter your Passport Number
- Fill in the security code (CAPTCHA)
- Click Search or Check
- The system shows:
- Application status (under review, approved, rejected)
- Issue date and validity period
- Visa type and number of entries permitted
Important Note: Enjazit Has Been Discontinued
Some older guides refer to the Enjazit.com.sa portal for visa status checks. The Enjazit portal has been discontinued. If you search for Enjazit, you will be redirected to MOFA. Use the MOFA portal directly for all visitor and business visa inquiries.
Visa Validity Periods: Reference Table
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) | 1 year from issue | Max 90 days per stay |
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 3 months from issue | Single entry only |
| Family visit visa (multiple entry) | 90 days, up to 4 entries | 90 days per visit |
| Family visit visa (single entry) | 30 days | Single entry only |
| Exit/re-entry visa (in days) | 60, 90, or 120 days from first departure | Must depart within 3 months of issue |
| Exit/re-entry visa (in months) | Up to 6 months max | Issued during the Hajj season only |
| Umrah visa | 3 months (90 days) | Issued seasonally |
| Hajj visa | 30 days | Depends on the sponsoring entity |
| Business visa | 30 to 90 days | Depends on sponsoring entity |
Which Portal Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| Expat resident checking exit/re-entry visa | Muqeem (vv.muqeem.sa) |
| Checking final exit visa status | Absher (absher.sa) |
| Sponsor checking employee visa status | Absher, Sponsored Services section |
| Extending a dependent’s visa abroad | Muqeem employer portal |
| Extending dependent’s visa abroad | Absher, Family Members, Visa Services |
| Visitor or tourist checking visa approval | MOFA (visa.mofa.gov.sa) |
| Pilgrim checking Umrah or Hajj visa | MOFA portal |
| Business traveler verifying visa status | MOFA portal |
| Currently outside Saudi Arabia, checking via Iqama and passport number | Muqeem (no Saudi mobile needed) |
What Happens If Your Exit/Re-Entry Visa Expires While Abroad
This is one of the most common concerns for expatriates. If your exit/re-entry visa expires while you are outside Saudi Arabia:
Before the 2024 policy change: Expats who overstayed their exit visa risked a 3-year re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia. This created severe hardship, especially for workers whose families were still inside the Kingdom.
After the 2024 policy update: The 3-year re-entry ban was removed. However, the practical challenge remains: your expired exit/re-entry visa no longer allows re-entry. Your sponsor must issue a new visa through the Muqeem employer portal before you can return.
What to do if your exit/re-entry visa expired abroad:
- Immediately contact your employer or sponsor and inform them
- Ask them to log in to the Muqeem employer portal and issue a new exit/re-entry visa
- Once the new visa is issued, confirm it via Muqeem or Absher
- You may also need the sponsor to provide you with the visa reference or a letter confirming issuance at the port of entry
- Contact the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) via their hotline at 920001212 if you need official guidance
Fines for Overstaying a Saudi Visa
Overstaying your visa in Saudi Arabia results in fines and possible deportation. The General Directorate of Passports enforces these penalties:
- Overstaying is calculated from the visa expiry date
- Daily fines accumulate while the overstay continues
- Residents with expired Iqama face separate Iqama overstay penalties in addition to visa fines
- Visitors who overstay their tourist or family visit visa may be deported and banned from re-entry
Always verify your visa status at least one week before any scheduled departure or renewal date to give yourself time to request an extension or new visa if needed.
How to Extend an Exit/Re-Entry Visa
Exit/re-entry visas are issued and extended by the sponsor (employer or family head), not the expat. You cannot extend your own exit/re-entry visa directly.
If you need more time abroad:
- Contact your sponsor in Saudi Arabia before the visa expires
- Ask them to log in to Muqeem (employer portal) and issue a new or extended exit/re-entry visa
- Confirm the new visa is active by checking on Muqeem or Absher from your end
If your family dependents are outside Saudi Arabia and their visa is expiring:
- Log in to Absher as the sponsor
- Go to Services, then Family Members, then Visa Services
- Follow the extension process and pay any applicable fees online
Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Portal Shows an Error
“Details do not match” on Muqeem: Re-enter all fields carefully. Try a different secondary identifier: if the date of birth was not working, switch to passport number or Iqama expiry date. Make sure the Iqama number is exactly 10 digits.
Muqeem portal not loading: Try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). Clear your browser cache. If the portal is under maintenance, try again after a few hours. As an alternative, use Absher to check your visa status.
Absher OTP not received: The Absher OTP goes to the mobile number registered with your Saudi account. If you are currently outside Saudi Arabia without your Saudi SIM active, this can be a problem. Use the Muqeem portal instead, as it allows verification via Iqama and passport number without requiring an SMS OTP.
Visa shows as expired, but you believe it is still valid: Contact your sponsor immediately to verify from their end. It is also possible that there is a processing delay in the government database. Visit the nearest Jawazat (Passport Office) with your passport and Iqama for an in-person verification if the discrepancy persists.
MOFA shows application status as “under processing”: This is normal for recently submitted applications. Allow 3 to 7 working days after submission before checking again.
Printing Your Exit/Re-Entry Visa
While electronic exit/re-entry visas are registered in the system and readable at Saudi border crossings, some expats prefer to carry a printed copy.
From Muqeem: After your visa details appear on the results page, click the Print option and save as a PDF.
From Absher:
- Log in to Absher
- Go to My Services, then Passports
- Click Visas and select the relevant visa
- Click Print when the visa details appear
Carrying a printed copy or a PDF on your phone is advisable when traveling through countries with less digitized immigration systems, as border staff in transit countries may ask for proof of your Saudi residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the Muqeem portal at vv.muqeem.sa for exit/re-entry visas, Absher at absher.sa for all resident services, including final exit status, or the MOFA portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa for tourist and visitor visas. Log in with your account, enter your Iqama or visa number, and the results appear instantly.
Yes. As of 2026, the Muqeem visa validity service requires you to sign in or create an account before accessing the check. Previously, you could check without logging in.
Yes, on both Muqeem and MOFA. On Muqeem, enter your Iqama number and then select passport number as the secondary verification identifier. On MOFA, enter your application number and passport number.
You need your Iqama number and one secondary identifier: date of birth, passport number, full name, Iqama expiry date, or visa expiry date. You also need your Muqeem account login credentials.
Yes. The Muqeem portal allows verification using your Iqama number and passport number without needing an SMS OTP. This is particularly useful for residents who are currently outside Saudi Arabia without their Saudi SIM active.
Visa type (single or multiple entry), visa number, issue date, return before date, duration of stay, and whether you are currently inside or outside Saudi Arabia.
A. Muqeem is primarily used by employers and sponsors to manage residency and visa services for workers. It is also used by individuals to check the exit/re-entry visa validity. Absher is the individual-facing government portal for personal services, including Iqama renewal, civil affairs, traffic fines, and a wider range of resident services. Both platforms connect to the same Ministry of Interior database.
Yes. As the sponsor, log in to Absher, go to Sponsored Services or Family Members, then Inquiries, and select Exit and Re-Entry Visa Status. You can view the visa status for all dependents linked to your Absher account.
No. The Muqeem portal does not display final exit visa details. To check a final exit visa, use Absher or the Ministry of Labor portal.
The Enjazit portal has been discontinued. If you search for Enjazit, you will be redirected to MOFA. Use visa.mofa.gov.sa directly for all visitor, tourist, and business visa inquiries.
Contact your sponsor immediately. They need to issue a new exit/re-entry visa through the Muqeem employer portal. The 3-year re-entry ban that previously applied was removed in 2024, but a valid visa is still required to re-enter Saudi Arabia. Call the Jawazat hotline at 920001212 for official guidance if needed.
Check at least one week before any planned departure, one month before your visa expiry date, and any time you are uncertain about your current status. Checking regularly avoids last-minute complications and gives you time to request extensions or renewals.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in digital government services, and visa validity checks are now fast, accessible, and available in English and Arabic around the clock. The key is matching your visa type to the right platform.
For most expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, Muqeem remains the go-to for exit/re-entry visa checks, though the 2026 change requiring login means first-time users need to register before they can access the service. Absher provides more comprehensive resident services and is the only platform showing the final exit visa status. The MOFA portal handles all visitor and tourist visa inquiries for people arriving from outside the Kingdom.
Always check before you travel, not after you have already booked your flight. A few minutes on these platforms can prevent significant complications at the border.
Related guides on Saudi Scoop:
- How to Create and Activate an Absher Account for setting up your Absher profile
- Saudi Family Visit Visa Guide for family visitor visa applications
- Expat Rights Under Saudi Labor Law for understanding your residency rights
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. Visa policies, portal interfaces, and government procedures are subject to change by the Saudi government. Always verify current requirements at the official portals: muqeem.sa, absher.sa, and visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Anum is a passionate writer with a love for storytelling and creativity. With a keen interest in exploring various topics, she crafts engaging content that resonates with her readers.
