Visit visas of all types (family, personal, tourist) are issued to a large number of visitors annually, but in some cases, you may need to cancel the visa after it has been issued. Whether the visitor is no longer able to travel, there was an error in the data, or circumstances have changed — the process is simple and does not take much time. In this article, we explain the steps to cancel a visit visa in Saudi Arabia.
When do you need to cancel a visit visa?
- The visitor is unable to travel due to personal circumstances
- You applied for the visa incorrectly (e.g., error in the name or passport number)
- The visitor has passed away or a health condition prevents travel
- The visitor’s passport expired, and the visa was issued on an old passport
- Travel plans have changed, and the trip is canceled entirely
- The visa was issued late, and the travel date has passed
How to cancel a visit visa via Absher
The Absher platform is the easiest and fastest way to cancel a visit visa. The service is available for the head of the household or the sponsor.
The steps are as follows:
- Log in to your Absher (individuals) account
- Select “Electronic Inquiry Services” from the menu
- Go to “Passport Services”
- Choose “Visa Cancellation Service” from the list of services
- Enter the visa number (found in the visa form sent to you)
- Confirm the cancellation after reviewing the data
- You will be notified immediately of the successful cancellation
Canceling a visit visa via Passports (without Absher)
If you do not have an Absher account or encounter a technical issue, you can visit the Passports office in your area in person. You will need to bring:
- Original national ID or residency
- Visa number to be canceled
- Copy of the visitor’s passport (if available)
- Cancellation request form (to be filled out at the office)
Are there fees for visa cancellation?
Currently, the visa cancellation service is generally free of charge. However, it is important to note that visa issuance fees are usually non-refundable. This means that if you paid the visa fee and did not use it, you cannot get a refund after cancellation. In exceptional cases (such as an error by the Passports office or the visitor’s death), an exception may apply.
Canceling a tourist visit visa
The Saudi tourist visa (Visit Saudi Visa) — whether electronic or on arrival — has different procedures. Typically:
- Electronic tourist visa: Can be canceled via the Ministry of Tourism’s e-portal or the “Visa” platform
- Tourist visa via the embassy: Visit the embassy that issued the visa
- Some types of tourist visas cannot be canceled (they are issued for single use only)
Frequently asked questions about canceling a visit visa
Can I cancel a visit visa through the Passports app?
The interface is simpler and mobile-friendly.
How long does the cancellation process take?
Through Absher or the Passports app, cancellation is instant and takes no more than a minute. In-person review at the office depends on branch congestion.
What happens to the visitor after visa cancellation?
After cancellation, the visa is considered permanently canceled. If the visitor is in Saudi Arabia at the time, they must adjust their status—either apply for a new visa or leave according to residency regulations.
Can I cancel a visit visa if the visitor is in Saudi Arabia?
Canceling a visa while the visitor is inside the Kingdom has specific controls. In this case, it’s best to review with the Passports office or contact them to know the correct procedure based on the visitor’s status.
How do I find the visa number to cancel it?
The visa number is found in:
- The visa notification sent to the email
- The printed visa copy (PDF) when issued
- If the number is lost, you can inquire about it through the Absher platform by entering the visitor’s passport number
Does canceling the visa affect the visitor’s future?
Canceling the visa does not affect the visitor’s reputation or their ability to apply for future visas. It is merely a routine procedure for legitimate reasons.
Summary
Canceling a visit visa in Saudi Arabia is an easy process available entirely electronically through Absher or the Passports app. The important thing to know is that visa fees are generally non-refundable. If you need additional assistance, you can call the Passports number (992) or visit the Absher platform directly.
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