Saudi Arabia Imposes 90-Day Limit on GCC-Registered Vehicles: New Rule Explained
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant new regulation governing how long vehicles registered in other Gulf states can remain inside its borders, marking a notable change in travel and transport rules for motorists across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) . Under the newly approved policy, cars bearing license plates from any GCC member country will only be allowed to stay in Saudi territory for up to 90 days within any 365-day period. This cap applies whether the days are consecutive or spread out across multiple entries into the Kingdom, bringing new clarity to what was previously a loosely regulated area.
Why the Rule Was Introduced
The decision by the Saudi Council of Ministers is aimed at regulating the extended presence of foreign-registered vehicles and tightening compliance with local traffic and customs laws that have been inconsistently enforced. Officials have said the move seeks to reduce violations associated with vehicles that enter Saudi Arabia and remain for long periods without proper local registration, which can complicate enforcement and create unfair advantages.
Previously, there was no firm time limit, which sometimes led to vehicles staying in the Kingdom virtually year-round without being formally processed under Saudi transport regulations, bypassing local registration requirements and potentially avoiding taxes and fees applicable to Saudi-registered vehicles.
Who Is Affected
The rule covers cars registered in any of the GCC countries — which include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, ensuring consistent treatment across the bloc. It applies to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates residing in the Kingdom, as well as foreigners authorised to drive these cars within Saudi Arabia, covering virtually all possible users.
However, there is an important exception: vehicles rented from licensed rental companies in any GCC country are not subject to this 90-day restriction, recognising that rental vehicles are typically used for short-term visits and are already regulated through rental agreements.
This means a private vehicle from, say, the UAE or Kuwait that enters Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, or business purposes will have a hard limit on how long it can stay, requiring planning. After the 90-day window ends, the car must either exit the country or risk breaching Saudi traffic and customs regulations, with potential penalties.
How the Period Is Calculated
The 90-day limit is counted from the date the car enters Saudi Arabia through any official customs port — whether via road crossings like Salwa or Al Batha, or other land borders used by travellers. Days are calculated on a rolling basis within any given 365-day timeframe, meaning the countdown doesn’t reset simply because a calendar year ends, ensuring continuous tracking.
This ensures consistency in how the rule is applied regardless of when the vehicle first entered the Kingdom, preventing attempts to circumvent the limit by timing entries around calendar boundaries.
Extensions and Exemptions
Saudi authorities have indicated that motorists may apply for an extension if they need to keep their vehicle in the Kingdom beyond the 90-day cap, recognising that some circumstances may require longer stays. To do so, the owner or an authorised driver must submit a request to the Saudi Ministry of Interior before the permitted period expires, providing justification.
Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the ministry determining whether to grant extra time based on the merits of each request. Importantly, there is no guarantee of approval — and the rules do not specify how long such extensions might be allowed, giving authorities discretion.
To help enforce the regulation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) will play a key role by providing necessary vehicle data to the Ministry of Interior, ensuring accurate tracking. Drivers are required to register vehicle details at the customs port upon arrival into Saudi Arabia in order for their stay to be tracked accurately from the moment of entry.
Penalties for Overstaying
The new rule also includes consequences for motorists who exceed the 90-day limit, creating a deterrent effect. Overstaying will be treated as a violation under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law, meaning drivers could face fines or other legal penalties depending on the duration and circumstances.
Saudi authorities have said these penalties are intended to ensure that the new time limit is taken seriously and that vehicles do not remain beyond the authorised stay without proper notification or clearance, maintaining the integrity of the system.
Broader Implications
This policy is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to formalise and standardise regulations affecting foreign visitors and GCC residents alike, bringing order to areas previously left ambiguous. While GCC countries have traditionally enjoyed close travel and trade ties — including easier cross-border movement than with non-member states — the new rule introduces a more structured approach for shared mobility and compliance with traffic norms.
Expatriates and frequent travellers between Gulf states will need to plan more carefully to avoid overstaying their vehicle’s permitted duration, potentially affecting long-term visits and business arrangements. For many motorists, especially those who live near Saudi borders or drive regularly for business, tourism, or family visits, this change underscores the importance of understanding local traffic laws and ensuring that vehicles are registered and tracked properly from the moment they enter the Kingdom.
Practical Advice for Motorists
For GCC residents planning to drive to Saudi Arabia, the key takeaways are straightforward:
- Track your entry dates carefully to ensure you don’t exceed 90 days in any rolling year period.
- Consider rental vehicles for longer stays if you need a car beyond the 90-day limit.
- Apply for extensions early if you know you’ll need more time, before the deadline passes.
- Exit before the limit expires to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s 90-day limit on GCC vehicles brings clarity to cross-border travel rules but requires motorists to be more mindful of how long their cars remain in the Kingdom. For most visitors, the limit will be more than sufficient, but for those with extended stays, planning is essential.
90 days in Saudi. Then out you go. New GCC vehicle rules take effect.
