Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new 90-day limit for privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with the rules coming into force on August 26.
Under the new regulations, GCC-registered vehicles owned by Saudi citizens or non-GCC residents living in the kingdom will be allowed to remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days.
The same limit will also apply to vehicles that these individuals are officially authorised to drive.
The 90 days can be used either continuously or across multiple visits within 365 days. The countdown will begin from the vehicle’s first entry into Saudi Arabia through a customs port.
Vehicles already in the kingdom when the new rules take effect will receive a 90-day grace period from August 26 to November 23.
Before the grace period ends, vehicle owners or authorised drivers will have two options: take the vehicle out of Saudi Arabia or permanently import and register it in the kingdom.
Those choosing permanent importation can appoint a customs broker to electronically submit the required declaration through the Fasah platform. They will then be able to complete the necessary procedures and pay the applicable customs duties and taxes without returning to the original border crossing.
The regulations also allow for an extension of the permitted stay. Owners or authorised drivers may apply for an extension before the initial 90-day period expires.
An extension of up to 30 days may be granted, calculated from the end of the original 90-day allowance. The service is expected to be available through the Absher platform in coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic.
Vehicles that remain in Saudi Arabia beyond the permitted period could face fines ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000. Authorities may also impound the vehicles until the violation is resolved.
Any towing, impoundment and related expenses will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner or authorised driver.
The new measures, introduced by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Traffic, aim to create a clearer system for managing GCC-registered vehicles staying in Saudi Arabia for extended periods.
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