If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, there is one app you should know about before you land: Absher. Operated by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Absher is the Kingdom’s official government services platform — and since 2021, it has been open to tourists. Whether you need to check your visa status, look up your border number, or resolve a traffic fine before leaving the country, Absher puts essential services on your phone. This guide is part of our comprehensive Saudi Arabia travel guide and covers everything a visitor needs to know about registering, activating, and using the Absher platform during your trip.
What It Is: Saudi Arabia’s official government services platform (280+ services)
Who Needs It: All visitors — essential for visa queries, traffic fines, and border numbers
Platforms: iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), and web (absher.sa)
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa or embassy-issued visa
Cost: Free to download and use
Must-Know: You need a Saudi SIM card and your border number to register
Avoid: Trying to register before arriving — activation requires physical presence in Saudi Arabia
What Is Absher?
Absher (أبشر, meaning “at your service” in Arabic) launched in 2010 as a digital gateway to Saudi government services. It now handles over 43 million electronic transactions per month and has more than 20 million registered users. The platform generates an estimated SR 20 billion ($5.3 billion) in annual economic impact, according to figures reported by Arab News in late 2025.
For tourists, Absher replaces what would otherwise require in-person visits to government offices. The services most relevant to visitors include visa status checks, border number lookups, traffic violation queries, and — for non-e-visa holders — visa extensions. The platform comes in two versions: Absher Individuals (for citizens, residents, and visitors) and Absher Business (for employers). As a tourist, you will only ever need Absher Individuals.
Do You Actually Need Absher as a Tourist?
Strictly speaking, not every tourist needs a full Absher account. If you are visiting Saudi Arabia on a short trip with a valid e-visa, have no intention of driving, and plan to leave before your visa expires, you may never need to log in. But there are several situations where having Absher becomes essential:
- You rent a car — Speed cameras are everywhere in Saudi Arabia, and fines are automatically linked to the vehicle’s registration. If you receive a fine, it will appear in Absher tied to your passport. Unpaid traffic fines can delay your departure at immigration.
- You need your border number — This 10-digit identifier is assigned at entry and written in Arabic on your visa page. If you cannot read Arabic, Absher’s public query tool lets you retrieve it using your visa number and issue date — no account required.
- You want to extend your visa — If you hold an embassy-issued tourist visa (not an e-visa), you can apply for a 90-day extension through Absher at a cost of SAR 100 (~$27).
- You plan to visit Makkah for Umrah — The Nusuk platform for Umrah permits integrates with Absher’s identity verification system.
- You overstay accidentally — The 30-day grace period introduced in June 2025 requires you to request departure through Absher’s Tawasul service.
- Valid passport — the same one used to obtain your visa
- Visa number — printed on your e-visa confirmation or visa sticker
- Visa issue date — required for the border number query
- Email address — for account verification
- Go to absher.sa
- Select Individuals
- Click Query for Border Number
- Choose Non-GCC citizen
- Enter your visa number and visa issue date
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click Inquire
- Go to absher.sa and select Individuals
- Click New User?
- Enter your border number (the 10-digit code from Step 1)
- Enter your Saudi mobile number
- Enter an active email address
- Create a username (Latin characters and numbers only, minimum 8 characters, must start with a letter)
- Create a password (at least 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, and numbers — no special characters)
- Select your language preference (English or Arabic)
- Complete the CAPTCHA and accept the terms
- Enter the SMS verification code sent to your Saudi number
- Cost: SAR 100 (~$27) per 90-day extension, paid via SADAD
- Timing: You must apply within the last 7 days of your visa validity — too early and the system rejects the request
- Maximum stay: Up to 180 days total (or 270 days for family visit visas with two extensions)
- Requirements: Valid passport with 2+ blank pages, valid medical insurance, no outstanding traffic violations, currently present in Saudi Arabia
- Umrah permits are issued through the Nusuk platform, which connects to Absher for identity checks
- Makkah entry permits for domestic visitors are managed through Absher Individuals and the Tasreeh platform
- Hajj 2026: From April 18 to May 31, 2026, Umrah permits via Nusuk are suspended. Entry to Makkah is restricted to Hajj permit holders only during this period
- International pilgrims access the Nusuk Hajj platform (hajj.nusuk.sa) through authorized service providers rather than directly through Absher
- Register on day one. Buy your SIM card at the airport, retrieve your border number, and activate your Absher account at the airport kiosk before leaving the terminal. This takes 20–30 minutes total and saves significant hassle later.
- Use the web version. Multiple sources report that absher.sa in a mobile browser is more reliable than the iOS or Android apps.
- Screenshot your border number. Once you have it, take a screenshot and save it in your phone. You will need it for hotel check-ins, car rentals, and any government interaction.
- Check traffic fines before departure. If you rented a car at any point during your trip, log in to Absher and check for violations 24–48 hours before your flight. Fines from automated cameras can take several days to appear.
- Keep your SIM active. Absher sends OTP codes via SMS. If your prepaid credit runs out or your SIM expires, you will be locked out of your account. Top up before your credit runs low.
- Contact support if needed. The Ministry of Interior support line is 920020405 (within Saudi Arabia).
- Airports: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam), Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (Madinah)
- Shopping malls: Major malls in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam typically have kiosks near information desks or government service zones
- Jawazat offices: Passport offices in all major cities
- Some hotel lobbies: Higher-end properties occasionally have kiosks in business centres
- iPhone / iPad: Search “Absher” on the App Store (developer: Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia)
- Android: Search “Absher” on Google Play (package: sa.gov.moi)
- Web: Go to absher.sa in any browser — no download required
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained, from e-visas to Umrah permits
- Hajj 2026 Guide — Planning your pilgrimage, including Nusuk registration and permits
- Saudi Arabia Hotels Guide — Where to stay across the Kingdom, from budget to luxury
- Saudi Arabia Food Guide — What to eat and where to find it
- Riyadh Travel Guide — Exploring the capital, including the Ministry of Interior district
Tip: Even if you do not create a full account, bookmark absher.sa on your phone. The border number lookup and visa status query tools work without registration and can save you a trip to a Jawazat (passport) office.
Before You Arrive: What to Prepare
You cannot complete Absher registration from outside Saudi Arabia — activation requires physical presence in the Kingdom. But you can prepare in advance to make the process faster once you land.
Documents You Will Need
Get a Saudi SIM Card Immediately on Arrival
Absher requires a Saudi mobile number registered in your name. This is non-negotiable — the system sends OTP (one-time password) codes via SMS to verify your identity. SIM cards are available at counters from stc, Mobily, and Zain at all major airports including King Khalid International (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah), King Fahd International (Dammam), and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (Madinah). A tourist SIM with data typically costs SAR 50–100 (~$13–27). Each Saudi mobile number can only be linked to one Absher account.
How to Register for Absher: Step-by-Step
Once you have a Saudi SIM card and know your border number, registration takes about 10–15 minutes. You can register via the mobile app (iOS or Android) or the web portal at absher.sa. Multiple sources recommend the web portal for better reliability.
Step 1: Find Your Border Number
Your border number is a 10-digit code starting with the digit 3 (in Arabic numerals). Immigration officials write it on your visa page at entry, but since it is in Arabic, most tourists cannot read it. To retrieve it:
The system will display your name and border number. Save this number — you will need it throughout your trip.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Step 3: Activate Your Account
Creating an account is not enough — you must activate it through identity verification. There are four methods:
| Method | Where | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nafath App | Your phone | ~10 minutes | Digital identity verification — fastest option |
| Self-service kiosk | Airports, malls, government offices (420+ locations) | 3–5 minutes | Uses fingerprint scanning — most convenient for tourists arriving at the airport |
| Jawazat office | Passport offices in major cities | 30+ minutes | Requires an appointment — least convenient option |
| Saudi bank app | Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank | ~10 minutes | Only useful if you have a Saudi bank account |
Recommended for tourists: Use the self-service kiosks at the airport immediately after clearing immigration and purchasing your SIM card. The kiosks use fingerprint scanning to verify your identity and complete activation in under five minutes. Over 420 kiosks are installed across the country.
Key Services for Tourists on Absher
Once your account is active, these are the services most relevant to visitors:
Visa Status Check
Log in to Absher, navigate to Dashboard → My Services → Passports/Visas, and select Query Visa Validity. The system displays your visa type, entry date, expiry date, sponsor name, and remaining days. This is particularly useful if you are unsure of your exact departure deadline. You can also check visa status without an Absher account via the MOFA portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa using your passport number and nationality.
Visa Extension (Non-E-Visa Only)
If you hold an embassy-issued tourist visa or a family visit visa, you can extend your stay through Absher. Navigate to Dashboard → Visa Services → Extension of Visit Visa. Key rules:
Important: Saudi e-visas cannot be extended — not through Absher or any other channel. If you entered on an e-visa and need more time, your only option is to exit the country and reapply. If your e-visa expires while you are still in Saudi Arabia, the 30-day grace period (introduced June 2025) gives you time to depart without fines, but you must request departure through Absher’s Tawasul service.
Traffic Violations
Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of speed cameras and automated traffic enforcement. If you rent a car during your trip, any fines will be linked to your passport through Absher. Check for outstanding violations under Dashboard → Traffic Violations. Unpaid fines can cause delays or holds at immigration when departing — always check before heading to the airport.
Border Number Lookup
As noted above, you can retrieve your border number without logging in. This public query tool is one of the most useful features for tourists who need the number for hotel check-ins, car rentals, or other formalities that require identification beyond your passport.
Absher and the Nusuk Platform
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, you will encounter the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) — the official system for pilgrimage permits. Nusuk integrates with Absher for identity verification, meaning your Absher account can streamline the permit application process.
Key points for 2026:
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
“I Can’t Find My Border Number on My Passport”
It is written in Arabic numerals, often hand-stamped or handwritten by the immigration officer. If you cannot locate it, use the online query tool at absher.sa — you only need your visa number and issue date. No account required.
“The App Keeps Crashing or Loading Slowly”
User reviews on both app stores note occasional performance issues. The web portal (absher.sa) is generally more reliable than the mobile app. Use Chrome or Safari on your phone to access it.
“I Can’t Register Because My SIM Isn’t Working”
Your Saudi SIM card must be registered in your name — not someone else’s. Airport SIM counters handle registration using your passport. If you purchased a SIM from an unofficial vendor, it may be registered under a different name, which will block Absher registration.
“I Got a Call Asking for My Absher OTP”
This is a scam. The Ministry of Interior will never call you requesting your one-time password or verification code. Never share your OTP with anyone, regardless of who they claim to be.
“My E-Visa Has Expired and I’m Still Here”
Since June 2025, Saudi Arabia offers a 30-day grace period for expired visit visas across all types. This allows you to depart without overstay fines, but you must request departure through the Tawasul service on Absher. The grace period does not extend your visa — it simply prevents penalties while you arrange your exit.
Absher vs. Other Saudi Apps You Should Know
Saudi Arabia has launched several government apps as part of its Vision 2030 digital transformation. Here is how they compare:
| App | Purpose | Do Tourists Need It? |
|---|---|---|
| Absher | Government services: visas, border numbers, traffic fines | Yes — essential |
| Nusuk | Hajj and Umrah permits | Only if performing pilgrimage |
| Tawakkalna | Digital ID, event tickets, health passes | Useful for events and some venues |
| Nafath | Digital identity verification | Useful for Absher activation |
| Tam | Tourist visa applications | Yes — if applying for e-visa |
| Saher | Traffic fine payments | Only if you receive fines |
Practical Tips for Using Absher
Where to Find Absher Kiosks
Over 420 self-service kiosks are deployed across the Kingdom. The most convenient locations for tourists include:
Understanding Your Saudi Visa Through Absher
Absher provides a clear dashboard view of your visa status, but understanding the different visa types helps you know which services apply to you:
| Visa Type | Duration | Extendable via Absher? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa | 90 days per entry, 1 year validity | No | Most common for leisure travellers from 49+ eligible countries |
| Embassy tourist visa | 30–90 days | Yes (SAR 100) | For nationalities not eligible for e-visa |
| Family visit visa | 90 days | Yes (up to 270 days total) | Sponsored by a Saudi resident family member |
| Umrah visa | 30 days | No | Issued through Nusuk platform |
| Business visit visa | 30–90 days | Yes | Sponsored by Saudi company |
For a complete breakdown of every visa type and how to apply, see our Saudi Arabia visa guide.
Downloading Absher
The app is free on all platforms:
The app supports both English and Arabic. Switch languages from the settings menu or the login screen.