Saudi Citizens Travelling To Countries Not Permitted Can Be Fined Up To SAR30000; Details Inside

It was recently mentioned that any citizen from Saudi Arabia who travels to countries where travelling is prohibited will be fined with a maximum fine of SAR30,000. In fact, they can also face a travel ban for up to two years. However, if they repeat this offence, the fine gets doubled with the travel ban extending up to five years. Here’s all you need to know about this development, which was mentioned in a report of the Saudi Gazette.

Saudi Citizens Travelling To Countries Not Permitted

As mentioned in the executive regulations of the Travel Documents Law, this was approved by the Minister of Interior Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. So basically, the minister of interior would determine the countries, while travelling would be prohibited after completing all the necessary procedures. And it has been stipulated that this penalty would be multiplied in several circumstances, as mentioned in the Saudi Gazette report.

Penalties Could Be Multiplied In Some Circumstances

For instance, these could include countries that are dangerous or that happen to be a conflict zone. Countries that impose travel restrictions due to emergency circumstances can also be included. However, the penalties will be reduced in certain cases, for instance, if the offender has first-degree family ties to the country. Not to mention, if the offender transits through the country on an indirect flight for no more than 48 hours. The Penalty can also be reduced if the offender’s age is 60 years or above.

Strict Regulations For Several Circumstances

According to the regulation, anyone who gives false information on the declaration that is related to the issuance of a travel document will be fined up to SAR5000. On repeated offence, this fine will be doubled, and the offender will also be banned from travelling for a period not exceeding six months.

So anyone who alters, adds to, deletes form, or changes information in the travel document without authorisation will end up getting referred to public prosecution. This would be done after the relevant departments at the ministry would complete necessary procedures. Not to mention, anyone who intentionally damages, falsifies or alters the photograph on the travel document will also be referred to public prosecution.

Additionally, anyone who enables another person to use a travel document unlawfully, sells, or pawns it, will be fined up to SAR100,000. Not to mention, they will be banned from travelling for a period not exceeding five years. For repeated offence, the fine will be doubled. Moreover, anyone who uses, attempts to use, or even assists in the unlawful use of travel documents that belong to another person will be fined up to SAR100000. And they will be banned from travelling for a period of not exceeding five years, and for repeated offences, they will face an increased fine.

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Conditions And Procedures For Passport & Travel Document Issuance

On a concluding note, it must be mentioned how the executive regulations have also outlined the conditions and procedures for passport and travel document issuance. These regulations emphasise the fact that entry and exit from the kingdom are only permitted through official ports of entry. If, due to compelling circumstances, entry does happen through unofficial ports or without a travel document, the individual must immediately report this to the nearest security authority. This regulation further mentions how every citizen within the kingdom should keep their passport in a safe place. They must not carry it with them when travelling.

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