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Updated December 2023
A Saudi passport serves as the primary document for Saudi citizens, enabling smooth international travel and confirming their status as members of the global community. Issued by the Saudi government, this passport is a representation of the nation’s diverse history, cultural legacy, and influential position in the global arena. Hence, it is essential for Saudi citizens to understand the process of obtaining a Saudi passport and other related information.
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Read on as Wego provides comprehensive information you need to know about Saudi passports.
Table of Contents
Saudi passport requirements
In order to apply for a Saudi passport, you must meet specific requirements. The following outlines the necessary criteria for obtaining a Saudi passport:
- payment of the service fees
- payment of any traffic violations
- the fingerprint and a photo of the applicant
- the applicant must be present in the Kingdom during the request for issuance
- the applicant’s National ID
Saudi passport photo size
The size of the Saudi passport photo should be around 2 x 2 inches. The photograph should prominently display the full face of the applicant, with the individual facing directly towards the camera.
Please note that the photo should be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months.
Saudi passport validity
The duration of validity for a Saudi passport varies according to the age of the holder. Individuals under 20 years old have passports valid for 5 years, while those aged 21 and above can obtain passports with a validity of 5 or 10 years.
How to apply for a Saudi passport?
Saudi passport can be applied through the e-service provided by the General Directorate of Passports (Absher). Below are the steps you can follow to apply for a Saudi passport:
- login to the Absher portal
- select “citizens” from the homepage
- select “passport services” from the list of e-services
- fill in the application
- submit the request.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive a transaction number for reference. Additionally, you have the option to request document delivery through Saudi Post, eliminating the necessity of visiting the General Directorate of Passports offices.
Saudi passport number
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The Saudi passport number is conveniently situated on the personal information page, making it easily accessible for reference. On this page, you’ll notice the passport number positioned in the upper left corner.
The identification of the Saudi passport number has been made even more straightforward by the presence of the label “Passport No” written above the numerical sequence.
Saudi passport renewal
Similar to the passport application, the renewal of a Saudi passport can also be done through the Absher platform. Here are the steps you can follow to renew your Saudi passport:
- login to the Absher portal
- go to “My Services”
- select “Passports”
- select “Renew Saudi Passport”
- select the name of the person whose passport you want to renew
- select the name of the person whose passport you want to renew
- pay the required fees
- hand over your old passport to receive the new one through the ‘Wasel’ service offered by the Saudi Post
For more information about Saudi passport renewal, you can check our dedicated article below.
Saudi passport fees
The cost of obtaining a Saudi Arabian passport depends on the validity period. If you opt for a 5-year validity; the applicable fee stands at SR 300. Meanwhile, you have to pay for SR 600 for the 10-year validity. Further information about the cost of a Saudi passport can be checked in our dedicated article below.
Saudi passport office
Saudi also provides offline services through the passport office. The services that are offered by the Saudi passport office include the following:
- issuing/ canceling Exit-Reentry visas.
- issuing/ canceling Final Exit visas.
- issuing/ renewing residence permit cards.
- register data of passport of household labour.
- taking fingerprints of household labour.
- printing an issued or renewed Iqama through Absher service.
Saudi passport offices are available in Riyadh and Jeddah regions.
For further information regarding the location and working hours of the offices, please visit the Ministry of Interior website.
Saudi passport visa-free countries
The holders of Saudi passports can enjoy visa-free travel to various countries across the globe. Some of the countries that allow visa-free travel for Saudi passports are Turkey, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, and many more.
To see a complete list of the visa-free countries for Saudi passports, please refer to our dedicated article below.
