Saudi Arabia sets limit for GCC-registered vehicles
- By Sheeraz Soomro -
- Aug 23, 2026
Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new 90-day limit for privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 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 permitted to remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days. The same limit will apply to vehicles that these individuals are officially authorised to drive.
The 90-day allowance can be used either continuously or across multiple visits within a 365-day period. The calculation will begin from the vehicle’s first entry into Saudi Arabia through a customs port.
Vehicles that are already in the kingdom when the new rules take effect will receive a 90-day grace period. This period will run from August 26 through November 23, giving owners and authorised drivers time to comply with the new requirements.
Before the grace period expires, 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 opting for 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 relevant procedures and pay the applicable customs duties and taxes without having to return to the border crossing where the vehicle originally entered Saudi Arabia.
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The regulations also provide an option to extend the vehicle’s permitted stay. Owners or authorised drivers can apply for an extension before the initial 90-day period expires.
An extension of up to 30 days may be granted, with the additional period 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 vehicles until the violation is resolved.
Any towing, impoundment and other associated 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, are aimed at establishing a clearer system for managing GCC-registered vehicles that stay in Saudi Arabia for extended periods.