Absher Travel for Visitors: Saudi service for land arrivals to become mandatory after six months
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has launched the "Absher Travel for Visitors" service that allows land arrivals to complete traveler, vehicle and insurance procedures electronically before reaching the border crossing; the service will become mandatory after six months.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior launched today, Monday, 26 October 2026, the "Absher Travel for Visitors" service via the Absher app, for arrivals to the Kingdom through all its land ports, whether citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states or visitors of other nationalities.
What is the Absher Travel for Visitors service
The service allows the traveler to complete travel procedures and requirements electronically before arrival at the border crossing, including registering the traveler’s and vehicle’s data and completing vehicle insurance, with the aim of facilitating automatic entry procedures for travelers and vehicles and reducing time at the crossing.
When will the service become mandatory
The ministry confirmed that the service will become mandatory six months after its launch date, i.e., around late April 2027, which means that land arrivals will be required thereafter to complete these procedures in advance via the app.
Registration steps in Absher Travel for Visitors
- Access the "Absher Travel for Visitors" service in the Absher app before starting the trip.
- Select nationality and enter the mobile phone number and type of travel document.
- Specify the land port and the expected travel date.
- Complete the traveler’s details and the vehicle’s details and finalize its insurance.
Agencies participating in the service launch
The service was launched in partnership with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the Insurance Authority, the General Directorate of Passports, and Public Security, as part of efforts to improve the electronic services provided to visitors to the Kingdom.
What it means for Iraqi travelers
Since the service covers all the Kingdom’s land ports, it also applies to Iraqis who travel to Saudi Arabia by land in their vehicles. Travelers are advised to download the app and complete their personal and vehicle data and insurance before departure to avoid delays at the crossing, especially after the optional period ends.
Read also: Iraq visa for Gulf nationals 2026: requirements, fees and how to apply online step by step
