Saudi Arabia has announced strict penalties for citizens travelling to countries placed under travel restrictions, including heavy fines and bans on future travel.
Under new regulations approved by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Saudi citizens who visit prohibited destinations could face fines of up to SR30,000 along with a travel ban of up to two years. Repeat violations may result in doubled fines and travel bans extending up to five years.
Authorities said the list of restricted countries will be determined by the Ministry of Interior following necessary procedures. Penalties may be further increased if the destination is deemed dangerous, a conflict zone, or subject to emergency travel restrictions.
However, certain exceptions may lead to reduced penalties, including cases where individuals have close family ties in the restricted country, are in transit for less than 48 hours, or are aged 60 and above.
The executive regulations under the Travel Documents Law also outline penalties for violations related to travel documentation. Providing false information when applying for travel documents may result in fines of up to SR5,000, with repeat offenders facing doubled penalties and temporary travel bans.
Serious violations such as tampering with travel documents, altering personal information, or forging photographs will lead to referral to the Public Prosecution. Similarly, misuse of travel documents including allowing others to use them, selling or pledging them can result in fines of up to SR100,000 and travel bans of up to five years.
The same penalties apply to individuals attempting to use someone else’s travel document unlawfully. Entering or leaving the Kingdom through unofficial routes without valid justification may also attract fines of up to SR100,000 and travel restrictions.
The regulations stress that all entry and exit must take place through designated official ports. In exceptional cases requiring irregular entry, individuals must immediately report to the nearest security authority.
Citizens are also advised to keep their passports secure and avoid carrying them within the Kingdom, where the national identity card serves as the primary identification.
Saudi nationals residing abroad are required to register their passports with Saudi embassies or consulates. Passports reported lost electronically cannot be used, and if recovered, must be submitted for official cancellation.
Additionally, Saudi missions abroad will issue temporary travel documents to citizens who lose or damage their passports, enabling their return home, while further procedures will be handled in coordination with relevant authorities.
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