Restrictions on Entry and Departure for Holders of Visit Visas

The situation

Effective immediately, foreign nationals holding commercial and work visit visas for Saudi Arabia must enter and exit the country according to the mode of travel specified in their visa sticker (typically through an airport).

Prior law

Previously, visitors were required to enter according to their visa terms only for their initial entry into the country. Any subsequent entries or departures could be done through a land border or an airport.

Impact

Foreign nationals holding commercial or work visit visas should check their visa stickers to ensure that they are following the correct mode of travel to enter and exit Saudi Arabia. In particular, foreign nationals commuting in and out of Saudi Arabia through the King Fahad Causeway, which links Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, should ensure that the mode of travel printed in their visa sticker allows them to enter and exit in this manner.

Background

Although there is no official source confirming the reasons behind this new ruling, Fragomen's analysis of this entry restriction is the immigration authority's intent to reduce traffic at immigration borders.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.