Saudi Arabia will limit the stay of privately owned GCC-registered vehicles to 90 days within a 365-day period from August 26, 2026. The new Saudi GCC vehicle rules also provide a 90-day grace period for vehicles already in the Kingdom, an extension of up to 30 days, and fines of up to SR2,000 for overstaying.
Saudi Arabia Introduces 90-Day Limit for GCC-Registered Vehicles
Saudi Arabia has introduced new executive procedures regulating how long privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can remain in the Kingdom.
The rules will take effect on August 26, 2026, and allow eligible GCC-registered vehicles to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days during a 365-day period. The 90 days can be used continuously or across separate visits.
The procedures were approved by Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) Governor Suhail Abanmi in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
Who Is Covered by the Saudi GCC Vehicle Rules?
The new regulations apply to privately owned vehicles that meet the following conditions:
- The vehicle is registered in another GCC country.
- The vehicle is owned by a Saudi citizen or resident, including a Premium Residency holder.
- The vehicle is being driven by a Saudi citizen or resident who has been officially authorized to use it.
- The vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through a customs port.
The regulations are intended to establish a clear system for tracking the length of time GCC-registered private vehicles remain inside the Kingdom.
GCC-Registered Vehicles Can Stay for 90 Days Within 365 Days
Under the new Saudi GCC vehicle regulations, an eligible vehicle can remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days within a 365-day period.
The permitted 90 days may be:
- Used consecutively, or
- Divided across multiple visits.
The 365-day calculation begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through a customs port.
Customs authorities will record information about the vehicle and its owner or authorized driver when the vehicle enters and leaves the Kingdom. This information will help authorities monitor the vehicle's permitted stay.
90-Day Grace Period for GCC Vehicles Already in Saudi Arabia
Vehicles that were already inside Saudi Arabia before the new rules take effect will receive a 90-day grace period to regularize their status.
The grace period runs from:
August 26, 2026, to November 23, 2026.
During this period, eligible owners or authorized drivers can choose between two options.
1. Take the Vehicle Out of Saudi Arabia
The vehicle can be removed from the Kingdom before the grace period ends.
2. Permanently Import and Register the Vehicle
Owners can also permanently import the vehicle into Saudi Arabia and complete the required procedures to obtain Saudi license plates.
For permanent importation, the owner can authorize a customs broker to submit the required customs declaration at the nearest border port, complete the applicable procedures and pay the required customs duties and taxes.
The vehicle does not necessarily have to return through the same border port through which it originally entered Saudi Arabia.
Eligible vehicles may also be registered in Saudi Arabia before their permitted stay expires, subject to the applicable requirements.
GCC Vehicle Stay Can Be Extended by Up to 30 Days
The new procedures also provide an option to request an extension before the original 90-day permitted period expires.
The extension:
- Can be granted for up to 30 days.
- Is calculated from the end of the original permitted stay.
- Must be requested before the initial 90-day period expires.
- Is submitted electronically through a platform approved by the Ministry of Interior.
- Will be available through Absher.
The vehicle must have valid registration and insurance when the extension is requested. Applications submitted after the original permitted period has expired will not be accepted.
For readers who regularly use Absher for vehicle-related services, the platform already provides several digital vehicle services. Arab Local's guide on the Absher Vehicle Data Report explains how users can access vehicle information and registration-related details electronically.
SR1,000 to SR2,000 Fine for GCC Vehicle Overstay
Vehicles that remain in Saudi Arabia beyond the permitted period can face financial penalties.
The overstay fine ranges from:
SR1,000 to SR2,000
Authorities may also impound the vehicle until the violation is resolved.
The vehicle owner or authorized driver may be responsible for:
- Towing expenses
- Vehicle impoundment fees
- Other costs resulting from the violation
These costs will be applied according to the relevant traffic regulations.
Drivers can also learn how Saudi Arabia handles traffic penalties through Arab Local's guide on checking traffic violation fines in Saudi Arabia.
How Can an Overstayed GCC Vehicle Be Regularized?
If a GCC-registered vehicle has exceeded its permitted stay, the violation can be resolved through the procedures provided by the authorities.
The available options include:
Register the Vehicle in Saudi Arabia
The owner can complete the applicable import and registration procedures and obtain Saudi license plates, subject to the relevant requirements.
Remove the Vehicle From Saudi Arabia
The owner or authorized driver can pay the applicable fines and penalties and provide an undertaking to remove the vehicle through the designated port.
The vehicle may remain subject to applicable traffic and customs requirements until the violation is fully resolved.
Important Dates for GCC Vehicle Owners
| Date or Period | Requirement |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2026 | New GCC vehicle stay rules take effect |
| August 26–November 23, 2026 | Grace period for vehicles already in Saudi Arabia |
| 90 days | Maximum standard stay within a 365-day period |
| Up to 30 days | Maximum extension before the original period expires |
| SR1,000–SR2,000 | Fine for exceeding the permitted stay |
Saudi Traffic Law Still Applies
The new GCC vehicle procedures do not replace Saudi Arabia's Traffic Law or its executive regulations.
GCC-registered vehicles operating in the Kingdom must continue to comply with all applicable traffic, insurance, customs and other regulatory requirements.
For vehicle owners using Saudi digital services, Arab Local also covers recent developments such as Saudi Arabia's digital vehicle plate wallet service on Absher.
What GCC Vehicle Owners Should Do
Owners and authorized drivers of GCC-registered vehicles should keep track of their vehicle's entry date and permitted stay.
If the vehicle is already in Saudi Arabia when the new regulations take effect, owners should use the grace period ending November 23, 2026, to either remove the vehicle from the Kingdom or complete the required permanent import and registration procedures.
Those who need additional time should apply for the available extension before the original 90-day period expires.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia's new GCC vehicle rules introduce a 90-day stay limit within a 365-day period for eligible privately owned vehicles registered in other GCC countries. The rules take effect on August 26, 2026, while vehicles already in the Kingdom will receive a 90-day grace period until November 23. Owners can potentially obtain an additional 30 days by applying before the original permitted period ends, while overstaying can result in fines of SR1,000 to SR2,000 and possible vehicle impoundment.
