Quick answer: If your employer has enabled self-service, you can issue an exit re-entry visa yourself on Absher: log in, open the exit re-entry service, choose single or multiple, set the duration, pay the fee, and the visa is usually issued instantly. You need a valid Iqama, an activated account, and no blocking issues like unpaid fines.
What an exit re-entry visa is
An exit re-entry visa lets you leave Saudi Arabia temporarily and return while keeping your residency intact. It's different from a final exit, which ends your residency for good. Any time you plan to travel abroad — a holiday, a family visit, a work trip — you need a valid exit re-entry visa tied to your Iqama before you go.
Before you start
Make sure these are in place, or the visa won't issue:
Valid Iqama with enough validity to cover the visa period.
No blocking issues such as unpaid fines or status flags.
Employer has enabled self-issuance (otherwise they issue it for you).
Check first: Clear any outstanding traffic violations before you try — unpaid fines are a common reason issuance is blocked.
Issuing it on Absher
Log in to your Absher Individuals account.
Open the exit re-entry visa service (often under passport or travel services).
Choose single or multiple exit re-entry.
Set the duration / start date as required.
Review the fee and confirm the details.
Pay with a supported method; the visa is usually issued instantly.
Save the confirmation and check the status before you travel.
Single or multiple?
This is the key choice, and it depends on how often you travel. A single visa covers one trip; a multiple visa allows several trips within its validity. If you travel frequently, multiple can work out more convenient and cost-effective. We compare the two in detail — including fees and what happens if your visa expires abroad — in our guide on single vs multiple exit re-entry visas.
Confirm before you book
One simple habit prevents most travel disasters: verify the visa status before booking non-refundable flights. Although Absher usually issues instantly, it's worth confirming the visa shows as valid and that its dates comfortably cover your trip. See how to check your exit re-entry status.
Don't get caught out: If your visa expires while you're outside the Kingdom, returning becomes complicated. Always leave a buffer between your planned return and the visa's expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I issue my own exit re-entry visa?
Many residents can self-issue on Absher if their employer has enabled it. In some cases the employer issues it for you. Check your account to see if the service is available.
What do I need to issue one?
A valid Iqama, an activated Absher account, no blocking issues like unpaid fines, and enough Iqama validity to cover the visa period.
How long does it take to issue?
On Absher it's usually instant once the fee is paid, so you can travel shortly afterwards. Always confirm the status before booking non-refundable travel.
Written by the IqamaDesk team. We explain Saudi travel and residency procedures in plain language for expats.
Disclaimer: IqamaDesk is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Absher or the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Visa procedures and fees can change. Always confirm current details and complete the transaction on absher.sa before travelling.
