Passports Directorate Urges Citizens to Safeguard Passports and Check Validity Before Traveling Abroad

Riyadh, January 08, 2026, SPA -- The General Directorate of Passports has urged citizens wishing to travel outside the Kingdom to safeguard their passports inside and outside the Kingdom, protect them from damage or loss, avoid neglect, pledging, or misuse, and keep them in safe places.
It emphasized that passport validity must not be less than three months prior to departure for travel to Arab countries and six months for travel to other countries. It clarified that the digital national ID via Absher and Tawakkalna, or the family register, does not authorize the holder to travel outside the Kingdom.
The directorate noted that all citizens are required to activate their passports after renewal electronically by visiting passport departments or branches, or designated offices at international ports, and that no prior appointment is required.
-- SPA