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
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.