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Published : 01 Apr 2026, 01:54 AM
Saudi Arabia has unveiled stricter measures governing international travel, warning citizens that visiting countries not approved for travel could carry significant financial and legal consequences, Saudi Gazette reported.
The new executive regulations of the Travel Documents Law, approved by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, set out detailed penalties for violations, the report said on Tuesday.
Under the rules, any citizen travelling to a country listed as prohibited may face a fine of up to SR30,000 (approximately $8,100 or Tk 1.12 million) and a travel ban for up to two years.
Repeat offenders face double the fine and a ban that can extend to five years, according to Saudi Gazette.
The Ministry of Interior determines which countries are off-limits after completing the required procedures.
The regulations specify that penalties may be multiplied for high-risk destinations -- those considered dangerous, conflict zones, or under emergency travel restrictions.
Conversely, fines may be reduced for travellers with first-degree family ties in the destination country, for short transits under 48 hours, or for citizens aged 60 and above.
Falsifying declarations for passport issuance now carries a fine of up to SR5,000 (approximately $1,350 or Tk 187,500), doubled for repeat offences, along with a travel ban not exceeding six months, Saudi Gazette reports.
Meanwhile, altering, adding to, or damaging a passport, or enabling another person to use it unlawfully, can result in fines of up to SR100,000 (approximately $27,000 or Tk 3.75 million) and travel bans of up to five years, with penalties doubled for recidivism.
The regulations also penalise unauthorised entry or exit from the country outside designated ports.
Citizens must use official points of entry unless compelling circumstances exist, in which case they must report immediately to the nearest security authority, according to Saudi Gazette.
Additional measures emphasise passport safety: citizens are required to store their passports securely and carry only their national identity card within the country.
Saudis living abroad on permanent or semi-permanent residency must register their passports with Saudi embassies or consulates.
Lost or damaged passports abroad are handled by embassies, which may issue return documents or new passports, coordinating with the General Directorate of Passports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Saudi Gazette notes that the regulations aim to protect citizens and uphold travel procedures, imposing strict penalties to deter violations and ensure compliance.
