Saudi Arabia launches passport-free travel with digital documents
Saudi Arabia has made travel documentation history by doing away with the need for physical passports in order to enter the nation.
The General Directorate of Passports is leading a trailblazing programme that is bringing about innovation in the form of digital documents. This ground-breaking idea was unveiled at the Ministry of Interior's show booth at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre during the LEAP 2024 Conference.
The introduction of digital documents marks a significant milestone in the realm of travel facilitation for visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This service caters to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including citizens, residents, and tourists, by offering a seamless integration of digital and technical solutions. Its primary objective is to streamline the arrival procedures for visitors, presenting them with a unified identification number that grants access to the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform, known as “Absher.”
Through the utilisation of these digital identities stored on their mobile devices, individuals can navigate their movements within the Kingdom effortlessly, rendering physical passports obsolete. The Ministry of Interior’s participation in the LEAP 2024 Conference underscores its commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to enhance security measures, optimise crowd management, and ensure the safety and organisation of global events.
The overall objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasises the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and creative digital solutions to move the country towards a more technologically sophisticated and sustainable future, are closely aligned with this effort. By embracing these innovations, the Kingdom hopes to solidify its standing as a preeminent centre for technical innovation and open the door for game-changing breakthroughs in a number of industries, such as security and transport.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia's introduction of digital documents heralds a new era of convenience and efficiency in travel documentation, offering a passport-free solution that aligns with global technological trends. Through the convergence of digitalization and visionary leadership, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, advancing security measures, and realising its ambitious vision for the future.
