Saudi Arabia: Online Passport Renewals Up to 12 Months Before Expiry

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Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has announced the introduction of electronic passport renewal for passports valid for twelve months or less, Wego reports. This initiative, accessible through the Absher platform, allows eligible individuals to renew their passports conveniently and efficiently.

Previously, the official account of the General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Twitter, now known as X, stated that passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months for renewal.

The Directorate further explained that citizens seeking to renew passports with validity periods exceeding 12 months due to specific circumstances such as scholarship programs or work assignments must schedule an appointment at the directorate’s regional offices. They are required to present relevant documentation to support their request.

Additionally, the Directorate emphasized that passports can be used for travel up to three months before expiry for Arab countries and up to six months for all other countries. It also stated that the family record card does not serve as a travel document, underlining the necessity of carrying a valid passport or national ID when traveling.

Citizens are encouraged to consult official communications from the General Directorate of Passports for more details. The new electronic renewal system marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and convenience of passport management for Saudi citizens, aligning with the broader goal of administrative modernization in the Kingdom.

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