Saudi Arabia Implements 90-Day Stay Limit for GCC Cars
Starting August 26, 2026, Saudi Arabia has enforced a new regulation limiting the stay of private vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries to a maximum of 90 days within any 365-day period. This rule applies to non-GCC expatriate residents who own or are officially authorized to operate vehicles with license plates from the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, or Qatar. The 90-day limit can be consecutive or cumulative, with the count beginning on the date the vehicle first enters the Kingdom through a Saudi customs port.
- New 90-day stay limit for GCC-registered private vehicles starting August 26, 2026.
- Applies to non-GCC expatriate residents driving cars from UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, or Qatar.
- Grace period until November 23, 2026, for vehicles already in Saudi Arabia.
- Fines range from 1,000 to 2,000 Saudi Riyals for violations.
Grace Period and Permanent Import
For vehicles already present in Saudi Arabia prior to August 26, authorities have provided a corrective grace period ending November 23, 2026. During this timeframe, owners or authorized drivers must either remove their vehicles from Saudi Arabia or permanently import them by obtaining Saudi registration and number plates. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority stated that the permanent registration process can be initiated through a customs broker at any nearby customs port, provided that all applicable customs duties, taxes, and requirements are met.
Extensions and Exemptions
Vehicle owners may apply for a maximum 30-day extension before their legal stay expires via an electronic platform approved by the Ministry of Interior. Eligibility for this extension requires valid vehicle registration and insurance; requests submitted after the expiration date will be rejected. Licensed GCC rental company vehicles are exempt from these specific controls.
Penalties and Fines
Violations of the new regulation will result in fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 Saudi Riyals. Additionally, vehicles may be impounded until the violation is rectified, with all associated towing and impound costs charged to the owner or authorized driver.