How to Issue an Exit Re-Entry Visa on Absher (Single & Multiple)
An exit re-entry visa is required for residents in Saudi Arabia who plan to travel abroad temporarily and return under the same Iqama and sponsorship. Absher lets sponsors and, in many cases, residents themselves issue this visa entirely online. This guide explains the process for both single and multiple exit re-entry visas.
What Is an Exit Re-Entry Visa and Who Needs One
Unlike a final exit visa, which permanently ends a resident’s sponsorship in the country, an exit re-entry visa allows a resident to leave Saudi Arabia temporarily, for vacation, family visits, or business travel, and return under the same Iqama without needing a new visa or sponsorship arrangement. Nearly all residents on an active Iqama who plan to travel and return will need one before departure.
Single vs Multiple Exit Re-Entry Visas
- Single exit re-entry: valid for one trip out of and back into the country within a specified period
- Multiple exit re-entry: allows several trips in and out during its validity period, useful for frequent travelers
- Both types have a maximum allowed duration outside the country before the Iqama is considered at risk of cancellation
- Multiple exit re-entry visas often carry a higher fee but save time for those traveling repeatedly
Step-by-Step: Issuing an Exit Re-Entry Visa on Absher
- Log in to your Absher account (as the sponsor, or the resident’s own account if self-service is enabled).
- Navigate to the “Exit and Re-Entry” service section.
- Select the resident (yourself or a linked dependent/employee) for whom the visa is being issued.
- Choose between a single or multiple exit re-entry visa.
- Enter the intended travel dates and expected duration outside the Kingdom.
- Review the visa details and applicable fee.
- Complete payment through the available online payment methods.
- Confirm and save the issued visa, which is typically linked electronically to the resident’s Iqama record.
Maximum Duration Allowed Outside the Country
Each exit re-entry visa specifies a maximum number of days the resident can remain outside Saudi Arabia before the visa (and potentially the underlying Iqama) is affected. Overstaying this limit without an approved extension can result in the Iqama being cancelled automatically, which would require a fresh visa process to return and work again. It’s important to check the specific validity period shown at the time of issuance rather than assuming a standard duration.
Who Can Issue the Visa: Sponsor vs Self-Service
Historically, exit re-entry visas were issued exclusively by the employer or sponsor through their Absher Business account. In many cases today, residents with their own active Absher Individual account and appropriate permissions can issue their own exit re-entry visa directly, though this depends on the employment sector and whether the employer has enabled self-service options. Domestic workers and certain employment categories may still require the sponsor to issue the visa on their behalf.
Fees for Exit Re-Entry Visas
Fees vary depending on whether a single or multiple exit re-entry visa is selected, and multiple-exit visas are generally priced higher given their extended flexibility. Payment is typically completed through the same online payment gateway integrated into Absher, and a receipt or confirmation is usually available immediately after successful payment for your records.
Common Mistakes When Issuing an Exit Re-Entry Visa
- Selecting a single exit visa when multiple trips are actually planned
- Underestimating the required duration outside the country
- Issuing the visa for the wrong linked family member or employee
- Forgetting to confirm the Iqama is active and not close to expiry before issuing
- Not saving or noting the visa reference number for border control purposes
Related Absher Guides
- Absher Exit Re-Entry Visa: Extension, Cancellation, and Fees Explained
- How to Login to Absher: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Register on Absher: Step-by-Step Guide for New Users
- Browse all Absher guides
Conclusion
Issuing an exit re-entry visa through Absher is a quick process once you know whether you need a single or multiple-trip visa and understand the maximum allowed duration outside the Kingdom. Double-checking these details before payment helps avoid travel disruptions or unexpected Iqama issues later.