Saudi Arabia is set to introduce new regulations limiting how long privately owned vehicles registered in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can remain in the kingdom.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect on August 26 and will apply to GCC-registered vehicles owned by Saudi citizens or non-GCC residents living in Saudi Arabia.
Under the regulations, eligible vehicles will be permitted to remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days. The restriction will also cover vehicles that individuals are officially authorized to drive, providing a clear time limit for the use of foreign-registered private vehicles inside the kingdom.
The 90-day allowance does not necessarily have to be used in one continuous period. Vehicle owners and authorized drivers can use the permitted period across multiple visits within a 365-day period.
The countdown will begin when the vehicle first enters Saudi Arabia through a designated customs port. This means the entry date will become an important reference point for determining how much of the vehicle’s permitted stay has been used.
The new policy is particularly relevant for Saudi citizens who own vehicles registered elsewhere in the GCC, as well as non-GCC residents living in Saudi Arabia who use vehicles registered in neighboring Gulf countries.
GCC countries have strong economic and social links, and residents frequently travel across borders for work, business, family visits and tourism. As a result, regulations governing foreign-registered vehicles can have a direct impact on cross-border motorists.
The 90-day framework appears designed to provide a defined period during which GCC-registered private vehicles can operate in Saudi Arabia while establishing clearer controls over their duration of stay.
For motorists who regularly drive into Saudi Arabia, keeping track of entry dates will be important. Since the permitted period can be spread across multiple visits, drivers may need to monitor their cumulative usage during the relevant 365-day period.
The introduction of the rule also highlights the importance of understanding customs and vehicle-entry requirements before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Drivers using GCC-registered vehicles should ensure that they understand how the 90-day allowance applies to their specific circumstances.
The policy may be especially important for people who frequently travel between Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. A vehicle that remains in the kingdom for extended periods could be affected once the permitted 90-day period has been exhausted.
By linking the calculation to the vehicle’s first entry through a customs port, Saudi authorities are establishing a specific starting point for the permitted period. This provides a clear basis for tracking the vehicle’s stay.
The new rules are expected to become effective on August 26. Motorists planning cross-border travel should therefore consider the new requirement when arranging trips involving privately owned GCC-registered vehicles.
For Saudi residents and visitors who depend on such vehicles, awareness of the new limit will be important to avoid problems associated with exceeding the permitted period.
