The Saudi passport is classified as one of the most powerful Arab passports, as it ranked sixth in the Arab world with 79 destinations without the need for a prior visa for 2021, according to the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports annually.
Saudi Arabia seeks to facilitate the issuance of official papers for its citizens by activating electronic services to facilitate and speed up the completion of transactions without the need to go to the General Directorate of Passports.
Submit an application and complete the procedures to obtain a passport from home.
Saudi citizenship eligibility
In line with Vision 2030, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a decree to open up nominations for granting Saudi citizenship.
The decision includes distinguished and creative people who meet the criteria of those coming to Saudi Arabia and those born in Saudi Arabia.
Such individuals are required to:
- Be of legal Age: above 18 years old.
- Have lived in Saudi Arabia for at least 10 years.
- Have no criminal charges: The individual must be of excellent conduct and demeanor.
- Have not been charged for moral violations in more than six months.
- Be working in a profession that is needed by the kingdom; and having legal means of subsistence, livelihood, and money.
- Be able to read and write in Arabic easily.
It should be noted that the Saudi passport provided to a non-Saudi may be withdrawn if an order is issued to that.
The points system
There are many points that are calculated when one submits an application for a Saudi Passport
These include:
- Residency: A resident for 10 consecutive years automatically gets 10 points.
- Scientific certificates:
- Medical Doctors and Engineers = 13 points.
- PhD in other sciences = 10 points.
- Baccalaureate = five points.
- Family ties:
- Three points for a person whose father is Saudi.
- Two points for a person who has more than two Saudi brothers.
- One point for the applicant whose wife is Saudi. If the wife’s father is also a Saudi, then the applicant gets two points.
- One point for the person who has one or two Saudi brothers
It should be noted that the person must get at least 23 points to be considered for Saudi citizenship.
Where can Saudi Nationals travel to?
Holders of Saudi passports can travel to up to 34 countries without a visa, and may obtain a visa at the airport in 42 countries.
However, they need a visa to visit 120 countries, according to the Global Passport Index.
On the other side, all visitors — including pilgrims — need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Tourist visas are valid for 360 days from the date of issue and can be used for visits of up to 90 days.
In contrast, only nationals of five countries do not require a visit to visit the kingdom and may use National ID Cards to enter the country.
The countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.