Permission to carry a firearm via Absher: Full steps and conditions

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As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts toward digital transformation and the automation of government services, the Ministry of Interior, represented by Public Security, continues to provide advanced electronic solutions through the "Absher" platform. These solutions aim to facilitate services for citizens and streamline security measures with high precision. Among the most prominent of these services is the "Firearms Movement Permit," which allows licensed firearms owners to legally and securely transport their weapons between different regions of the Kingdom.

Organizational context and importance of service

This service is part of the Ministry of Interior's efforts to regulate the possession and use of firearms. Saudi regulations clearly distinguish between a "possession license," which permits the ownership and storage of a firearm at home only, and a "carrying license," which allows its transport. The carrying permit service provides a legal solution for those who possess a possession license and wish to transport their firearm for maintenance, relocation, or hunting during permitted seasons, thus avoiding the legal repercussions that could result from transporting a firearm without prior authorization.

These measures reflect the security authorities’ keenness to enhance preventive security and ensure that weapons are not present in public places without legal justification, which serves the interest of public security and the safety of society.

Conditions for issuing a permit to carry a firearm

The Absher platform has established a set of strict controls to ensure the service is used correctly, including the following conditions:

The beneficiary must have an active digital identity on the Absher platform.
The beneficiary's record must be free of any security notes or restrictions that would prevent them from benefiting from the service.
The weapon for which the permit is to be issued must be officially registered under a valid "possession license".
Adherence to the permitted limit, where no more than one weapon can be carried in the permit, while adhering to the acquisition ceiling specified at ten weapons.
The weapons must have been purchased through legitimate means, either from previous owners or authorized sales centers.

The citizen is also obligated, when submitting the application, to accurately specify the route of the trip (departure and arrival area), the date of commencement of the permit, in addition to clarifying the number of ammunition being transported, with full acknowledgment of the accuracy of the data and agreement to the terms of service.

Steps to apply via the Absher platform

To obtain the permit electronically without needing to visit the Public Security branches, the following steps can be followed:

Log in to your account on the Absher electronic platform.
Go to the "My Services" menu.
Choosing the "Public Security" sector.
Click on the "Manage Weapons" option.
Review the services and select "Firearm Movement Permit".
Fill in the required data (path, date, ammunition).
Confirm the request and print the permit or keep it digitally.

Areas where carrying weapons is strictly prohibited

Security officials have pointed out that obtaining a movement permit does not mean the freedom to carry weapons everywhere, as there are sovereign and sacred areas where the presence of weapons is strictly prohibited, including:

The Two Holy Mosques (the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque) and their courtyards.
Sensitive military and security areas.
Government departments and official buildings.

Compliance with these instructions is a national duty that contributes to maintaining order and avoiding the penalties stipulated in the weapons and ammunition system.