Saudi passport requirements for travel: Passport validity and activation

The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a set of essential guidelines for citizens wishing to travel outside the Kingdom. This is part of its ongoing commitment to facilitating travel procedures and ensuring that travelers do not encounter any obstacles that might prevent them from completing their journeys at international ports of entry. These guidelines come in light of the increasing volume of travel, necessitating a reminder of the applicable regulations and procedures to guarantee a safe and smooth journey.

The importance of preserving travel documents

The Saudi General Directorate of Passports emphasized the importance of safeguarding passports, as they are official documents issued by the state to its citizens to facilitate their travel and protect them abroad. The Directorate urged citizens to protect their passports, whether inside or outside the Kingdom, warning against damage or loss. It also categorically prohibited pawning, neglecting, or storing passports in unsafe locations, noting that misuse of this document could subject its holder to legal penalties and disrupt their affairs abroad.

Passport validity requirements for Arab and foreign countries

In clarifying the technical requirements for departure, the General Directorate of Passports explained the required passport validity periods before travel, which are as follows:

• Travel to Arab countries: The passport must be valid for at least (3) months.
• Travel to the rest of the world: The validity period must not be less than (6) months.

This difference in durations is based on international agreements and entry visa requirements imposed by many countries around the world, as most foreign countries require a validity of six months to ensure coverage of the permitted stay period and to avoid any problems related to renewing the residence or visa while abroad.

Digital identity does not replace a passport

Amidst the significant technological advancements the Kingdom is witnessing through platforms like "Absher" and "Tawakkalna," the General Directorate of Passports highlighted a crucial point regarding digital national identity. It clarified that the digital identity obtained through smart applications, as well as the "Family Registry," are local identification documents and do not authorize their holders to travel outside the Kingdom. This clarification underscores that international transactions still rely on the printed passport or the plastic national identity card (for GCC countries, subject to specific requirements) as official documents for border crossings.

Activating the passport after electronic renewal

The General Directorate of Passports concluded its announcements by clarifying the procedure for passports renewed electronically through the "Absher" platform. It mandated that citizens activate their new passports by visiting passport offices or branches throughout the Kingdom, or through designated offices at international ports of entry, before traveling. To facilitate the process for citizens, the Directorate emphasized that this step does not require a prior appointment, reflecting the flexibility of the services provided to ensure the swift completion of procedures.