Jeddah: Saudi Arabia has issued a new electronic passport with a number of features. The electronic passport was issued after the Home Ministry approved a new passport developed in high technology. The new passport is equipped with an electronic chip containing the person’s information. The special feature is that by scanning the user’s photo, the relevant authorities can know the information contained in it. Home Minister Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif released by Prince.
The fee is 300 riyals for a passport valid for five years and 600 riyals for a passport valid for ten years. The same fee is applicable for issuance of new passport and renewal of passport. The old passport will continue to be issued in all the provinces until the e-passport comes into force. Old passports expiring six months after issue can be replaced with e-passports.
In the first stage, e-passport procedures should be approached directly to the Javasat Directorate headquarters in the respective provinces. The e-passport can be obtained directly from the Javasat Directorate headquarters in the respective provinces by booking an appointment in advance through Abshir, the Home Ministry’s online service platform.