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
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.
Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.
Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.
Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.
Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.