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The General Directorate of Passports responded to citizen questions on its official X account by confirming that a passport issued for the first time does not require activation after the holder receives it. The statement, repeated in several interactions throughout 2026, addresses common confusion among new passport recipients who receive the document via mail services. This policy eliminates an extra step for first-time users while maintaining security protocols embedded in the initial issuance process.
In one such exchange, the directorate’s customer service account replied to a query about an infant’s passport by stating that first-time passports need no activation. Similar responses have been issued to other users inquiring about electronic passports delivered through SPL or Saudi Post. The directorate consistently ends these replies by expressing satisfaction with the public outreach.
The service for issuing first-time Saudi passports for those under 21 is available online through the Absher platform, according to the General Directorate of Passports. Users log in, navigate to family member services and select the passport option to complete the request. Biometric registration and electronic fee payment are among the prerequisites listed on the national government portal.
This clarification contrasts with requirements for passport renewals, where the General Directorate of Passports mandates submission of the previous document to activate the new one. A spokesman for the directorate, Major Nasser Al-Otaibi, has explained in statements carried by Saudi media that the national ID travel feature to GCC countries remains disabled until activation occurs. Travelers are advised not to book trips until the process is complete at a passport office, branch or border crossing.
The updates align with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation initiatives under the Ministry of Interior. The national platform my.gov.sa outlines detailed steps for passport issuance, noting that first-time documents are activated automatically in the system upon issuance. Such measures aim to reduce physical visits to passport offices for routine matters.
Official accounts have also highlighted that the rule applies whether the passport is for an infant or an adult first-time applicant. The directorate operates multiple channels for public inquiries, including its dedicated customer service X account with millions of followers. Citizens are encouraged to verify individual cases through these verified platforms.
