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 [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.