Can an American Extend His Family's 6 Month Visit Visa?

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Member since 23 October 2019

VeryConfusedExpatMember23 October 2019 08:36:59

Hello everyone,

I made this account because I cannot find any clear answer on this. I am from the US and have family that has spent almost 6 months with me in Saudi, and I want to extend their visit for another 6 months, and I am hoping to avoid a visa run. They have a 5 year mult-entry visa.

I know in Feb Jawazat announced that a visa can only be for 180 days, but I am still not clear on the language on if this means an American can do 1 extension of 180 days and no more. I know I'll be able to know for sure with 6 days remaining, but I obviously am trying to avoid cutting it this close.

Has any American ever extended their family stay for over 180 days?

Thanks

XTang Bahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert23 October 2019 09:49:30

11829

The visa rules for stay are the same for all nationalities. It is only the validity period that varies for Americans (5 years vs. 2 for other nationalities).

You can only extend up to 180 days and then the family needs to exit and come back. On return, they can again stay up to 180 days with extension.

VeryConfusedExpat Member

Member since 23 October 2019

VeryConfusedExpatMember23 October 2019 09:53:49

Well, that's where my confusion is. They can already stay for 180 days since thats what the American visa allows. The question is: can I now extend it past that for another 180 days, or any amount of time at all?

XTang Bahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert23 October 2019 10:01:58

11829

As far as I know, 180 days stay is the maximum in all cases i.e. whether you come in for 90 days and get it extended to 180 days or you come in for 180 days to begin with.

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