Saudi Arabia Imposes 90-Day Limit on GCC Cars; November Deadline Looming
Saudi Arabia has introduced a strict new regulation regarding the Saudi GCC vehicle limit, mandating that privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can only remain within the Kingdom for a maximum of 90 days during any 365-day period.
The policy, which officially came into effect on 26 August 2026, applies to vehicles bearing registration plates from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. The duration of stay is calculated based on official customs records documenting the vehicle's entry and exit from the country.
Who is affected by the new rules?
The mandate covers a broad range of individuals, including:
- Saudi citizens.
- Premium Residency holders.
- Non-GCC expatriates, including those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, and various Western nations.
- Any individual officially authorized to operate such a vehicle within the Kingdom.
However, certain exemptions apply. GCC nationals operating their own GCC-registered private cars are not subject to this limit. Additionally, vehicles rented from licensed rental companies based in other GCC nations are also exempt from the 90-day restriction.
Fines and potential vehicle impoundment
Authorities have warned that failure to comply with the new time limits will result in significant penalties. Drivers found exceeding the 90-day allowance face fines ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000 (approximately AED 980 to 1,960).
In addition to monetary fines, the authorities may impound the vehicle. If this occurs, the owner will be held responsible for all costs associated with towing and storage.
Note: Owners are permitted to request a single extension of up to 30 days, provided the request is made before the initial 90-day allowance expires.
The November 2026 deadline for existing vehicles
A critical grace period has been established for vehicles that were already present in Saudi Arabia before the regulation was implemented on 26 August 2026. These owners have until 23 November 2026 to regularize their status.
To comply before the deadline, owners must choose one of the following options:
- Export the vehicle from the Kingdom.
- Formally import the vehicle by paying all applicable customs duties and taxes to obtain Saudi license plates.
Permanent import declarations can be filed electronically via the Fasah platform through a registered customs broker.
How to manage your vehicle status
The new procedures were established by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) in coordination with the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Traffic. To avoid legal complications, expatriate vehicle owners are advised to monitor their entry dates closely.
Extensions and status management should be handled through official Absher or ZAT