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Update your passport via Absher

A complete guide to updating your passport information on Absher in 2026.

Update your passport via Absher (2026)

Step-by-step guide to updating your passport information on Absher Individuals: new number, expiry date, photo, scanned copy. Avoid airport delays, Iqama renewal refusals, and Jawazat fines.

🛂 Passport⏱ 8 min read📱 100 % online🗓 Updated April 2026
100 %
Online (no travel required)
Free
Registration fees
Immediate
Automatic validation most of the time
6 months
Minimum validity required

1. Why update your passport on Absher?

Your Iqama and your Jawazat profile are linked to a specific passport number. As soon as you renew your passport in your country of origin (or consulate), the old information becomes obsolete on the Saudi side. As a result, your Iqama remains technically valid, but it points to an expired document.

The consequences of an outdated passport:

  • Denied boarding at the airport (leaving or entering the kingdom)
  • It is impossible to renew the Iqama
  • Unable to renew driver's license or complete certain procedures on Absher / Muqeem
  • Issuance of exit/re-entry visas blocked.
  • Possible fine from Jawazat

2. When should the update be done?

  1. Passport renewal
    New number + new expiry date = mandatory update within 30 days.
  2. Extension of validity
    Same number but new expiry date: update required.
  3. Modification of personal data
    Name change (marriage, civil status correction): update of passport and Iqama (visit to Jawazat agency required in this case).
  4. Before any critical approach
    Before renewing your Iqama, applying for an exit visa, transferring your sponsor, or purchasing an airline ticket — check that your Absher passport is synchronized.

3. Prerequisites

  • Account Absher Individuals active and verified (linked to Nafath)
  • New passport already issued by your country, with at least 6 months of validity remaining
  • Saudi mobile phone registered in your name (for OTP)
  • Iqama valid
  • Scan of the identity page of the new passport (high quality, PDF or JPG), (< 2 MB)
⚠️ If you don't have Nafath: You must first activate Nafath authentication on the Absher application, otherwise sensitive procedures (including passport updates) are blocked.

4. Documents and information to prepare

Element Detail
Old passport number As currently recorded on Absher
New passport number Letter + numbers according to your country
Date of issue Gregorian and Hijri formats (Absher converts automatically)
Expiration date Must be > 6 months
Place of issue City / issuing authority
High-quality color scan Full biometric page, PDF or JPG, 2 MB max
💡 Scan quality: Clear photo, no shadows, fully legible text, uniform background. A poor scan is the primary cause of rejection.

5. Detailed steps on Absher

  1. Log in to Absher Individuals
    Via absher.sa or the mobile application (iOS / Android). Authentication via password + OTP or Nafath.
  2. Access "My services"«
    In the dashboard, click on My Services → Passports (or "الجوازات").
  3. Select "Update Passport Info"«
    Official option: «Update Passport Information» Or «تحديث بيانات جواز السفر».
  4. Check the pre-filled information
    Absher displays your name and Iqama. Click on the relevant member (you or a dependent).
  5. Enter the new information
    New passport number, issue date, expiry date, place of issue. Double-check everything before validation.
  6. Upload the scan
    Upload the identity page of the new passport (PDF or JPG). Wait for upload confirmation.
  7. Validate and receive confirmation
    Absher displays a reference number. In most cases, the update is immediate. Otherwise, a delay of 24–48 hours may be required (Jawazat control).
  8. Check synchronization
    Go back to Passports to confirm that the new number appears. Also check Muqeem (muqeem.sa) if you are an employee sponsor.
✅ Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the Absher confirmation with the reference number. This will be useful if a Jawazat agent asks you for proof.

6. Update the passports of dependents

As a sponsor (moualkif), you can update your spouse's and children's passports directly from your own Absher account:

  1. Tab «"Dependents"» Or «Family Members»
  2. Select the relevant member
  3. Same procedure as above: enter the information + upload the scan
  4. Repeat for each dependent

For an employee (under professional kafala), the process is carried out via Muqeem by the employer or the administrative assistant («mu'aqqib»).

7. Common problems and solutions

Error: "Invalid passport data"«
Check the format of the number (capital letters without spaces), the expiry date (> 6 months), and the match with the scan.
Upload refused
Size > 2 MB or unsupported format. Reduce the PDF size or convert to 300 dpi JPG.
No "Update Passport" option«
Your Absher account may be in basic mode. Enable Nafath verification to access full services.
Update "Under Review"«
Wait 48 hours. If still waiting, go to a Jawazat agency with your new passport + Iqama for manual validation.
Old passport that expired a long time ago
If the delay exceeds 6 months, Jawazat may require an in-person visit to an agency and written justification. Prepare an explanatory letter, a copy of your new passport, and your cancelled old passport.

8. Penalties for failure to update

Saudi law mandates the updating of passport data. Penalties may include:

  • Fine potentially ranging from 500–1,000 SAR depending on the duration of the omission
  • Refusal to renew Iqama
  • Blocking of exit/return visas
  • Prohibition against leaving the kingdom in case of airport checks
❗ Aggravating circumstances: if an expatriate travels with a passport different of the one registered on Absher, he may be turned back on exit or entry, and his Iqama status may be put into "administrative irregularity".

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my passport if I am outside of Saudi Arabia?
Yes, the Absher update works from abroad as long as your account is active and you receive OTPs on your Saudi number. If your Saudi number is inactive, activate Nafath or contact Absher support.
Should I keep my old passport?
Yes, keep it for at least 6 to 12 months. It may be required for certain checks (e.g., old active Saudi visa, historical documents, customs).
How long does validation take?
In 85% of cases, validation is immediate. Otherwise, it takes 24 to 48 hours. If it takes more than 72 hours, go to a Jawazat agency.
Does the update cost anything?
No, registration on Absher is free. Only passport renewal at your consulate incurs a cost (which varies depending on the country).
Can I do this for my domestic worker?
Yes, via the "Employees" or "Domestic Labor" tab of your Absher Individuals account. For company employees, this is done through Muqeem/Qiwa.
Does the Iqama also need to be physically updated?
No, the Iqama (plastic card) retains a unique number independent of the passport. Only the digital link in the Jawazat database is updated.
My name has changed on the new passport, what should I do?
In this case, updating your Absher account is not sufficient. You must go to a Jawazat office with your legalized civil status documents (marriage certificate, court order) + a certified Arabic translation + your old and new passports. The Iqama will be reissued with your new name.

10. Official Links

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📄 Update : April 2026 · The information in this guide is for guidance purposes only. Saudi procedures, prices, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify up-to-date information with official sources. (Absher, Jawazat, SAMA, MoE, CCHI, MOFA) before any action.

Mis à jour le 19/04/2026