family admin
How to Apply for an Exit Visa for Dependents in Saudi Arabia
If your dependents (spouse or children) want to travel outside Saudi Arabia, they need an exit re-entry visa just like you do. As their sponsor, you apply for their visa through Absher. This guide walks you through the process.
Who Is This For?
Expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia who sponsor dependents and want to allow them to travel abroad.
What You Need Before Starting
- ✓An active Absher account
- ✓Valid Iqama for all dependents
- ✓Valid passports for all dependents with sufficient validity for the trip
- ✓A payment method for the visa fee
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Log in to Absher Individual at absher.sa
- 2Go to 'My Services' then select 'Exit and Re-Entry Visa'
- 3Click 'Issue Exit Re-Entry Visa'
- 4Select the dependent(s) you want to include in the visa from your family list
- 5Choose the visa duration — 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months
- 6Review the details and confirm all passport information is correct
- 7Pay the visa fee
- 8Download the visa document and share it with the travelling dependent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Forgetting to include all travelling dependents — each person must be listed on the visa
- ✗Not checking the dependent's Iqama validity before travel — expired Iqama = no exit visa
- ✗Issuing a visa for too short a period — if the trip is extended, the dependent may overstay
- ✗Not downloading the visa document — dependents need to present it at the airport
Timing & Fees
Exit re-entry visa fees vary by duration and number of dependents. Processing is instant online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my wife travel without my permission?
Saudi Arabia has reformed its mahram (guardian) travel rules. Women aged 21 and above can travel independently. However, as their visa sponsor, you still need to issue the exit re-entry visa through Absher.
What if a dependent's Iqama expires while they are abroad?
This is a serious issue. The dependent may not be able to re-enter Saudi Arabia. Ensure all Iqamas are valid before travel and renewed if necessary.
Can I issue a final exit visa for a dependent?
Yes. If a dependent is leaving Saudi Arabia permanently, you can issue a final exit visa through Absher. This cancels their residency status.