How to Check Iqama Red or Green Status
The 'red and green' Iqama status is one of the most misunderstood parts of Saudi residency, and it has nothing to do with the color of your card. It refers to whether you can travel out of and back into the country freely on your current exit and re-entry visa. This guide explains exactly what red and green mean, why the status matters before you travel, and how to check yours online.
Green status generally means you are free to travel out and return within your exit and re-entry visa period without needing fresh approval. Red status generally means you cannot travel freely yet — typically because your sponsor's approval or a valid exit/re-entry visa is not in place. You can check your status through Absher or the MOI portal before booking any travel.
What red and green actually mean
The red/green concept is tied to the exit and re-entry visa system. When you want to leave Saudi Arabia temporarily and come back without ending your residency, you need a valid exit and re-entry visa. Your 'color' is a simple way of expressing whether that permission is currently active for you.
Green means the system shows you are cleared to travel and return during the visa's validity. Red means something is missing — most often that you do not currently hold a valid exit and re-entry visa, or that sponsor approval is required first. The status protects you from travelling and then being unable to return.
How to check your red or green status
Your travel status is linked to your exit and re-entry visa, which you can check through these official services. Always confirm before you book flights.
Via Absher
Absher is the main government portal for residents and citizens.
- Go to the Absher portal at absher.sa and log in with your username and password, or register through the Nafath app.
- Open the 'My Services' section and choose 'Services'.
- Select 'Reports' and then 'Documents' (or 'Alien Control').
- Your Iqama details, including the expiry date, will be displayed on screen.
Via MOI (Ministry of Interior)
MOI (Ministry of Interior) is the Ministry of Interior e-services portal.
- Open the MOI e-services portal at moi.gov.sa.
- Switch the language to English from the top menu if needed.
- Go to 'E-Services' and then the 'Passports' (Jawazat) services.
- Choose the query service, enter your Iqama number and the verification code, then submit.
Why you must check before you travel
The single most stressful residency mistake is travelling on an assumption. If you leave the country believing you can return, but your status is red or your exit and re-entry visa has expired while abroad, getting back can become complicated and may require your sponsor's intervention from outside the country.
Checking takes two minutes and removes that risk entirely. Confirm your status is green and that your exit and re-entry visa covers your entire trip — including a buffer in case of delays — before you commit to travel dates.
Is your Iqama about to expire?
Find out exactly how much renewal costs and what steps to follow before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Does red status mean something is wrong with my Iqama?
Not necessarily. It usually just means you do not currently have an active exit and re-entry visa, or that sponsor approval is needed. It is about travel permission, not the validity of your Iqama itself.
How do I change from red to green?
Generally by obtaining a valid exit and re-entry visa, which is arranged through Absher, often with your sponsor's involvement. Once issued and active, your travel status reflects it.
My visa was green but turned red while abroad
This usually means the exit and re-entry visa expired during your trip. This is exactly why you should ensure the visa covers your whole journey with a buffer before leaving.
Can I check this for free?
Yes. Checking your status through the official government portals is free of charge. You only pay when you carry out a paid transaction such as a renewal.
Do I need an Absher account?
Not always. While Absher is the most complete option, several checks also work through the MOI and labor ministry portals without a personal Absher login.
What details do I need?
Usually your Iqama number is enough. Some portals also let you search using your passport number, border number, date of birth or other details.