How to Extend Family Visit Visa

Single Entry Family Visit Visa Extension

The single-entry family visit visa can be extended multiple times through the Absher platform, as long as the total duration of all extensions does not exceed six months (180 days), with the exception of Syrian nationals. Each extension period matches the duration of the original visa. Only the individual who initially requested the visit visa is permitted to apply for its extension. To extend a single family visit visa online through Absher:

1. Login to your Absher account and verify OTP
2. Select “Services” from the ‘Family Members’ tab
3. Click on “Extend Family Visit Visa”

Terms and Conditions:

• Visit visa duration should be less than 7 days from expiry at time of extension. If expired, must not exceed 3 days including expiration date
• Visitor must be in Saudi Arabia
• Medical insurance should cover extension period
• Extension fees must be paid
• Visitor passport must be valid
• Visitor and visa requester must be alive
• No unpaid traffic fines

Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa Extension

Multiple-entry family visit visas can be extended electronically through Absher seven days before expiration. Those who fail to leave before visa expiry will have to pay fines after three days.

Extending via Tawasul

If unable to extend through Absher, you can submit a request through Tawasul:

1. Login to Absher, verify OTP
2. Click “Services” under ‘My Services’
3. Click “Passports” then “Tawasul (Communication Service)”
4. Click “New Request”
5. Select sector as “Visit Visas”
6. Choose “Extend Visit Visa For Family” as service
7. Describe your request in detail
8. Attach documents if any
9. Submit request

Visit Visa Extension Insurance

To extend your visa, you’ll need medical insurance covering the entire extension period. This can be obtained from licensed insurers like Tawuniya, Bupa, Medgulf, etc. You can check insurance validity on Absher under “Inquiries” > “Query Health Insurance”.

Extension Cut-off Period

Extensions must be applied 6 days before expiry to 3 days after. After this grace period, extensions cannot be granted.

Visit Visa Extension Insurance

Requirement:

To extend a family visit visa, you must have medical insurance that covers the entire extension period. This insurance is crucial for ensuring that the visitor is protected against medical expenses during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Obtaining Insurance:

Medical insurance can be obtained from licensed insurers such as Tawuniya, Bupa, Medgulf, and others. To check the validity of your insurance, you can use the Absher platform under “Inquiries” > “Query Health Insurance.” Ensure that your insurance coverage is valid for the entire duration of the extension.

Extension Cut-off Period

Application Timeframe:

Visa extensions must be applied for within a specific timeframe. The application can be made from 6 days before the visa’s expiry date and up to 3 days after. Extensions cannot be granted outside this grace period.

Importance of Timely Application:

Applying for an extension within this window is critical to ensure that you remain compliant with Saudi immigration regulations. Missing this deadline can result in the denial of the extension request and potential fines or penalties.

Additional Considerations

Monitoring Visa Status:

Regularly monitor the status of your visa and extension applications through the Absher platform. This allows you to track any updates or issues that may arise and take prompt action if needed.

Renewal of Medical Insurance:

If the insurance coverage is about to expire, ensure it is renewed before applying for the extension. Continuous insurance coverage is necessary to comply with visa extension requirements.

Documentation:

Keep all relevant documents related to the visa, extension application, and medical insurance in a safe place. This includes copies of the original visa, proof of insurance, and any correspondence with authorities.

Contacting Authorities:

If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the extension process, consider reaching out to the relevant authorities for assistance. The Absher platform and Tawasul provide channels for communication and support.

By following these detailed steps and adhering to the terms and conditions outlined above, you can effectively manage the extension of a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia and ensure a smooth and compliant stay for your visitors.

Late Extension Consequences:

If the visa expires and the visitor has not departed Saudi Arabia, fines will be imposed if the visitor remains in the country beyond three days of the visa expiry date. Therefore, it is essential to apply for the extension in advance to avoid additional fines and complications.

Conclusion

Extending a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia involves a clear understanding of the procedures, terms, and conditions for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. By following the detailed steps outlined above, adhering to the requirements, and utilizing alternative methods if necessary, you can effectively manage the extension process. Ensure that all documents are up-to-date, insurance is valid, and applications are submitted within the appropriate timeframe to facilitate a smooth extension experience for your visitors.