Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has opened a digital pre-entry service for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and other visitors, with use due to become compulsory six months after launch.
Called “Absher Travel for Visitors,” the service is available through the Absher app, the ministry said. It lets travelers send information before reaching a Saudi land crossing.
Visitors provide their nationality and mobile number, identify their travel document, and select a crossing and expected travel date. They also submit traveler and vehicle details and arrange vehicle insurance, according to the ministry.
The ministry said the digital process is intended to reduce the tasks visitors complete at the border. It described the rollout as part of a broader push to expand government services online and simplify land entry.
The ministry named several agencies involved in the initiative: Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). The ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Insurance Authority, General Directorate of Passports and Public Security were also listed.
The six-month period after launch is the point when the ministry says the service will become mandatory for the visitors it covers.
