Parents can activate new passports for family members, say Saudi authorities

The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has announced a streamlined process for Saudi citizens to report lost passports online via the Absher platform. Citizens can easily submit a lost passport report by following a series of steps within their Absher account. Upon logging in, users need to navigate to "My Services," then select "Passports," followed by "Saudi Passport Services," and finally choose "New Request" to file the lost passport report.

Additionally, the authority has clarified that citizens have the option to renew their passports electronically through Absher, as long as at least six months remain on the validity of the current passport at the start of the renewal process. The General Directorate of Passports strongly advised citizens to adhere to all requirements and conditions for passport renewals, both for themselves and their family members.

Moreover, the authority provided essential information regarding passport validity and travel. Passports can be utilized for travel to Arab countries up to three months prior to expiry, and for other countries up to six months prior to expiry. It was stressed that the family registry card does not serve as a valid travel document, and the digital national ID available through Absher and Tawakkalna platforms cannot be used for international travel outside the Kingdom.

The General Directorate of Passports emphasized the critical importance of carrying a valid passport or national ID when traveling to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in order to fulfill travel requirements and prevent any issues during the journey.