The Saudi Directorate announced this Sunday evening a statement confirming the need to activate a passport after its renewal. The passport can be activated by visiting the passport offices, branches, or international outlets without a prior appointment, bringing along the previous passport. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports emphasized that when traveling to Gulf countries, the national ID expiration date must be no less than three months. It also noted that the digital identity on the ‘Absher’ and ‘Tawakkalna’ platforms serves as proof of identity only within the Kingdom and does not enable its holder to travel abroad.
In a related context, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports announced on June 28th the commencement of an initiative to extend expired visit visas of all types, in preparation for final departure within 30 days, following the payment of stipulated fees and fines as per regulations. According to ‘Al Arabiya’, the passport directorate stated that beneficiaries can apply for this service through the Ministry of Interior’s ‘Absher’ electronic platform within the specified period.
This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to simplify regulatory procedures for visitors, enabling them to regularize their status and leave the country in an organized and legal manner, in compliance with applicable regulations. This step is also a continuation of previous initiatives aimed at addressing situations and reducing congestion, ensuring a safe departure for those whose visas have expired, provided they comply with payments and leave within the announced deadline.
