Saudi Arabia launches unified hotline 992 to provide visa expiry inquiry service for stranded tourists unable to leave the country due to regional crisis World News

Saudi Arabia’s General Passport Authority has directed visa holders to call a single helpline to resolve status-related queries as earlier relief measures for expired visas near the end of their deadline.

Unified helpline number for visa related queries

The General Directorate of Passports said individuals seeking clarification on their visa status can now call the unified number 992.This applies to queries related to:All types of visit visas

The helpline is specifically targeted at cases involving visas that have expired on February 25, 2026, allowing affected individuals to receive guidance on their status and next steps.

The news comes against the backdrop of an earlier directive issued by the Ministry of Interior under the direction of the Saudi leadership.These measures were taken to address situations where visa holders are unable to leave the Kingdom due to current regional conditions. As part of the initiative, authorities began correcting the status of affected individuals across multiple visa categories.

Extended window and exit flexibility

As per the previous directive, all types of visit visas as well as Umrah, transit and final exit visas expiring on February 25, 2026 are eligible for extension. Guest hosts can request these extensions through the Absher platform upon payment of statutory fees, with the window open until April 18, 2026.Meanwhile, authorities have allowed an alternative route for those who would rather leave than extend their stay. Eligible visa holders can exit directly through international exit points without extending their visa period or paying any fees or late fees. This provision provides the opportunity to withdraw immediately while avoiding penalties.

Compliance Period Method

The authorities reiterated that all beneficiaries must take action before April 18, 2026.Individuals should complete the extension process through official channels or leave the Kingdom within the time allowed. Failure to comply within the deadline will result in the enforcement of applicable regulations against the violator.The newly highlighted helpline is designed to streamline communication and ensure that affected individuals can resolve their queries without confusion as the deadline approaches.