Regulations for issuing new travel documents and penalties in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, approved the new executive regulations for the travel documents system, a comprehensive regulatory step aimed at establishing both strict and streamlined rules for issuing travel documents and handling cases of loss or damage. These amendments align with the Kingdom’s comprehensive digital transformation under Vision 2030, as the Ministry of Interior seeks to enhance the security of national documents and facilitate government procedures for both citizens and residents through approved electronic platforms such as Absher.

The historical development of travel document regulation in the Kingdom

Travel documents in Saudi Arabia have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decades. From traditional paper passports that were handwritten and required visits to government offices and long queues, the Kingdom has transitioned to a fully digitized system. Thanks to the introduction of biometrics and electronic connectivity between security and civil agencies, issuing travel documents has become incredibly efficient through the national Absher platform. This historic shift has not only streamlined procedures but also enhanced the international security of the Saudi passport, making it one of the most secure and forgery-resistant documents thanks to its advanced electronic chip.

Conditions for issuing travel documents and updating biometric data

The regulations specify precise conditions for issuing travel documents, requiring the applicant's biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) to be registered in the Civil Status system, with the exception of children whose biometric data cannot be registered due to their young age. The regulations also stipulate that the applicant's record must be free of any security restrictions, that they must be present within the Kingdom at the time of application, and that they must be actively registered on the Absher platform.

The regulations require applicants to pay the prescribed fees electronically and complete the application process, acknowledging and agreeing to all necessary instructions and undertakings. In the case of passport renewal, the previous passport must be presented for cancellation, and the new document will be issued to the passport holder or their officially authorized representative.

Release guidelines for different age groups and nursery

The new regulations organized the issuance of passports based on age groups to provide legal and social protection for all individuals:

• For those aged 18 to 21: The regulations require the consent of one of the parents or their authorized representative. In the event of their death, consent is required from one of the adult Saudi siblings (21 years of age or older) as evidenced by a certificate of inheritance. Exceptions include married individuals, those studying abroad (with proof of study), and employees on official duty.
• Under 18 years of age: It is required that they be added to the family record for those under 10 years of age, and that the vital characteristics of those aged 10 years and over be registered, with the consent of one of the parents.
• Custody: The regulations permit a Saudi custodian to issue a passport for the child under their care and travel with them. However, if the mother is not Saudi, an explicit clause in the custody document or a court order permitting this is required.

Deterrent penalties for negligence, loss of passport, and travel to prohibited countries

The regulations did not overlook the deterrent aspect of protecting the prestige of official documents and state security, as they approved a detailed system of penalties that includes financial fines and travel bans:

• Penalties for Negligence and Loss: Anyone who neglects their travel document, resulting in its loss, damage, or theft within the Kingdom, shall be fined no more than 2,000 riyals. This fine shall increase to 3,000 riyals outside the Kingdom, and the penalty shall be doubled for repeat offenses. The penalty may also include a travel ban of up to six months if the violation is repeated three times within five years.
• Traveling to prohibited countries: The regulations impose a fine of up to 30,000 riyals and a travel ban of up to two years for those who travel to prohibited countries. The penalty is doubled upon repetition to reach a ban of up to 5 years, especially if the destination is from conflict zones.
• Data tampering and misuse: Providing false information is punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 riyals. Intentionally altering or falsifying passport data or photographs will result in referral to the Public Prosecution. Allowing others to use, sell, or pawn a passport is punishable by a fine of 100,000 riyals and a five-year travel ban.
• Irregular entry and exit: Anyone who enters or leaves the Kingdom through unofficial ports of entry will be punished with a fine of up to 100,000 riyals and a travel ban for 5 years.

The expected impact of the new regulations, both locally and internationally

These regulatory measures have far-reaching positive implications. Locally, the regulations contribute to raising citizens' awareness of the importance of safeguarding their official documents as part of their national identity and personal security, and they curb extortion and the illegal use of lost passports. Internationally and regionally, the tightening of security procedures and border controls enhances the global ranking of the Saudi passport, paving the way for further visa exemption agreements with countries worldwide and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leader in implementing international security standards for travel documents issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).