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Renewing a family visit visa (2026)
Update 2026: Renewal possible for multiple entry visas on Absher without leaving the territory.
Renewing a family visit visa (2026)
Updated guide 2026: How to extend or renew a Family Visit Visa for your loved ones from Absher, with or without leaving the country. Visa types, fees, processing times, and mistakes to avoid.
🛂 Visa⏱ 10 min read👨👩👧 Family🗓 Updated April 2026
1 year
Maximum multi-entry validity
90 days
Maximum stay per entry
+180 days
Single-entry extension possible
≈ 100 SAR
Average extension costs
1. The different types of family visit visas
Family Visit Visa — Single Entry
Issued by the Saudi consulate in the country of residence. Stay until 90 days, One entry only. Expandable once.
Family Visit Visa — Multiple Entry (1 year)
For the parents and direct children Residents of Saudi Arabia. Valid 1 year, Multiple entries, each stay ≤ 90 days. Requested from Absher.
Family Visit Visa — Long Duration (up to 2 years)
Reform introduced in 2023-2024 for premium and highly skilled residents: family visa valid for up to 2 years, multiple entries. Strict conditions (professional category, income, length of residence).
Personal Visit Visa (eVisa)
Not to be confused: cousin, friend or distant relative = Personal Visit Visa, issued online, separate from the Family Visit Visa.
2. Duration and validity
| Kind | Validity | Maximum stay | Entrances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Single Entry | 3 months to enter | 90 days + ext. | 1 |
| Family Multi 1 year | 1 year | 90 days / entry | Unlimited |
| Family Multi 2 years | 2 years | 90 days / entry | Unlimited |
| Personal Visit eVisa | 3 months | 30 days | 1 |
💡 New for 2024-2026: The extension of the multiple-entry visa is now possible online via Absher., without leaving the territory — provided that the request is made before the expiry of the visa.
3. Renewal conditions
The sponsor (Saudi resident or expatriate with Iqama) must meet the following conditions:
- Iqama valid at the time of the request
- Eligible profession (most categories are eligible, some restrictive professions are excluded — check on Absher)
- Direct family relationship Parents, spouse, children. For siblings, the visa is also accepted in most cases, but subject to justification.
- No negative reports (no huroob, no Zakat/tax debt)
- Visitor present in the territory with a passport valid for ≥ 6 months
⚠️ Visitor already on site: For an extension without leaving the premises, the application must be submitted before the expiration of the 90-day period. Exceeding this date may result in a fine of 25 SAR/day + risk of eviction.
4. Documents to prepare
- Sponsor's Iqama (copy)
- Visitor's passport (biometric page, valid for > 6 months)
- Current visa (proof of entry date)
- Proof of kinship: birth certificate, marriage certificate — legalized and translated into Arabic
- Visitor's health insurance certificate (mandatory, see section 7)
- Proof of address of the sponsor
- Proof of accommodation on site (sometimes required)
💡 Translations: Civil status documents must be translated by a Saudi-approved translator, or legalized by the Saudi consulate in the country of origin (apostille + certified translation).
5. Renewal procedure on Absher
- Absher Individuals Login
Via absher.sa or the mobile app. Nafath authentication. - "Visit Visas" Menu«
In "My Services", select Visa Services → Extend Visit Visa («تمديد تأشيرة زيارة»). - Visitor selection
Choose from the visitors currently registered under your sponsorship. The system displays the visas in progress. - Information verification
Absher automatically checks eligibility: entry date, background, sponsor eligibility. - SADAD Payment
A SADAD number is generated. Payment via banking app or ATM. Confirmation time: a few minutes. - Health insurance upload
Health insurance has been mandatory since 2021. Upload the certificate from a CCHI-approved company. - Final validation
Absher issues a new visa document Downloadable as a PDF, with the new expiry date. The visitor must keep it with them or print it out.
✅ Tip: submit the request 10 to 15 days before The expiration date is to avoid any stress. The extension normally takes effect immediately after payment and insurance upload.
6. Renewal fees (indicative figures for 2026)
| Operation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single entry visa extension (90 days) | 100 SAR + 100 SAR/month extra |
| Conversion to multi-entry | 200 SAR + insurance |
| 3-month visitor health insurance | 200 – 500 SAR |
| Visitor health insurance for 1 year | 800 – 2,000 SAR |
| Fine for overstaying your stay | Variable (several hundred to several thousand SARs depending on duration, plus risk of eviction) |
⚠️ Variable fees: The exact amounts depend on the visitor's age and insurance company. Only SADAD payments via Absher are valid.
7. Health insurance, which is mandatory
Since 2021, All visitors to Saudi Arabia must have health insurance covering at least:
- Medical emergencies and hospitalizations
- COVID-19 cases (coverage maintained by several insurers)
- Medical repatriation
The most commonly used CCHI-approved companies: Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, MedGulf, Al Sagr, Walaa. The purchase is made online, the certificate is uploaded directly to Absher.
💡 Good to know: the insurance must cover the entire extended stay period. An expired insurance policy invalidates the application.
8. Common Mistakes
❌ Absolutely avoid:
- Submitting the application after the expiry date
- Using foreign health insurance not recognized by the CCHI
- Forgetting to translate birth/marriage certificates into Arabic
- Confusing Personal Visit (friend) and Family Visit (immediate family)
- Allow the sponsor's Iqama to expire during the procedure
- Expect an extension beyond the 90+ days allowed (max ≈ 180 cumulative days for single entry)
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parents perform Umrah with a family visit visa?
Yes. Since 2022, holders of family or tourist visas have been able to perform Umrah (outside of the Hajj season). They can also pray at Masjid An-Nabawi in Medina. Access to the Rawdah may require a reservation via the Nusuk app.
Can you obtain a family visa for your in-laws?
Yes, in most cases. You will need to provide the marriage certificate and the birth certificate of the spouse linking the in-laws. Saudi consulates and Absher accept this indirect relationship, subject to legalization.
Can a visa be converted into an Iqama?
No, not directly. You have to go through the entry process again with the appropriate visa (work, Premium Residency, or family sponsorship via Iqama). An exit and re-entry is required.
Can my visitor work?
No, strictly forbidden. The family visa does not grant any right to work. Checks are carried out (Qiwa/MoI) and penalties include deportation and a ban on returning.
Can the visa be renewed several times consecutively?
For single entry: an official extension of 90 additional days (total ≈ 180 days). For 1-year multi-entry: a new consular or Absher application must be submitted after expiration, as the visitor must leave the country and then return.
Can my foreign wife (outside Iqama) stay longer?
For a long-term presence, the best option is to go under Iqama sponsorship (Iqama family), which offers a renewable 1-year membership and additional benefits (insurance, school, banking services). See our Iqama guide.
Can the visa be refused?
Yes. Common reasons include: ineligible sponsor profession, incomplete application, non-payment of Zakat, and a history of violations (huroob). In case of refusal, an administrative appeal to the Ministry of Immigration is possible.
10. Official Links
Need help with a family visa application?
We can guide French-speaking families on the documents to gather and the Absher process.
Related guides
📄 Update : April 2026 · The information in this guide is for guidance purposes only. Saudi procedures, prices, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify up-to-date information with official sources. (Absher, Jawazat, SAMA, MoE, CCHI, MOFA) before any action.
Mis à jour le 19/04/2026