Saudi Arabian passport

An applicant is required to fill in an online form for the first time. In the case of passport renewal, an applicant is not required to fill in the form where the passport can be renewed with a few online steps through Absher online platform. An applicant must have a valid Government ID to be able to issue the passport. The passport photo must be taken whilst the applicant is in Saudi dress, unless the applicant is underage and has no Government ID card. The photo must be 100 mm × 150 mm (4 in × 6 in) in size. The applicant must fill the form in both Arabic and English.[1]

In 2017, a new option of the passport issuance was introduced, the new option offers a validity of ten years.

On 10 February 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that they have began issuing a new passport, with a couple of changes, most notably the addition of a biometric chip.[2]

All procedures are carried out electronically through the platform Absher. This platform enables applicants to apply for a new passport or passport renewal without the requirement of attendance in person.[3]

In 2022, the Ministry of Interior has announced the new version of the Saudi Passport,[2] containing a myriad of differences, including but not limited to:

• A darker green cover page
• The addition of an electronic chip
• New data page, with multiple security features[4]

The Saudi Arabian passport is green and has the following wording on its cover:

"المملكة العربية السعودية" "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia"

"جواز سفر" "Passport"

In addition to the official Emblem of Saudi Arabia on the top, and a symbol on the bottom to indicate that it has a biometric chip.

The data page of a Saudi passport

The Saudi data page has multiple information,(in both English and Arabic unless stated):

• Biometric Chip
• Image of the passport holder in 3 different places
• Passport type in English
• Country code: SAU
• Passport number in Western Arabic numerals
• Passport holder's name
• Passport holder's nationality
• Passport holder's sex
• Passport holder's Date of Birth in both Islamic and Gregorian calendars
• Date of Issue in both Islamic and Gregorian calendars
• Date of Expiry in both Islamic and Gregorian calendars
• Issuing Authority

In Arabic:

باسم ملك المملكة العربية السعودية أطلب من موظفي المملكة المدنيين والعسكريين وممثليها في الخارج ومن كل سلطة أخرى تعمل باسمها ومن السلطات المختصة في الدول الصديقة أن يسمحوا لحامل هذا الجواز بحرية المرور وأن يقدموا له المساعدة والرعاية

In English:

In the name of the King, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I request all whom it may concern to permit the bearer of this passport to pass freely, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection required.[5]

As of August 2018, Saudi citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 75 countries and territories, ranking the Saudi passport 67th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.[6] Saudi citizens do not need a visa to enter other GCC states and reside permanently. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar, which is one of the GCC countries, and as a result, Saudi citizens are prohibited from traveling to the neighboring country.

Countries and territories with visa-free or visa on arrival entry for holders of regular Saudi passports

• Visa requirements for Saudi citizens
• Saudi Arabian National ID Card