The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) of Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has introduced a new regulation for private vehicles registered in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—operating within the Kingdom.
- Effective August 26, 2026, these vehicles are permitted to remain in Saudi Arabia for a total of 90 days, either consecutively or intermittently, within a rolling 365-day period.
- The calculation of this duration commences from the date of the vehicle's first entry through a Saudi customs port.
- A grace period has been granted for vehicles that were already inside the Kingdom prior to August 26, 2026, allowing owners until November 23, 2026, to regularize their status.
The rule applies to Saudi citizens, non-GCC residents (including expatriates from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh), and Premium Residency holders, whether they are the vehicle owners or authorized drivers. Rental fleet vehicles carrying GCC licenses are exempt from these regulations.
During this grace period, owners have two primary options:
export the vehicle back to its country of origin or permanently import the vehicle by registering it with Saudi plates. Permanent importation requires declaring the vehicle through the 'Fasah' platform via a customs broker and paying all applicable duties and taxes; there is no requirement to return to the original port of entry. Furthermore,
drivers may apply for a maximum 30-day extension through the Absher platform or the Ministry of Interior before the initial 90-day limit expires.
Failure to comply after the November 23, 2026, deadline will result in penalties ranging from SR1,000 to SR2,000 (approximately $267–$533 or AED 980–1,960). Authorities may also impound the vehicle until the status is regularized, with additional costs for towing and storage to be borne by the owner. Officials advise residents to verify their vehicle's entry stamps, check driver authorization via Absher, and consult the official ZATCA website (zatca.gov.sa) for further details.
