Booking a Passport Appointment via Absher: Steps and Conditions
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has provided the service of booking passport appointments through the Absher platform, so that citizens and residents can book their appointments from home without having to go to passport offices for nothing. In this article, we will explain in detail the steps to book an appointment, the required documents, and the new appointment system.
Services That Require an Appointment at Passports
There are many services that require you to book an appointment before going to the passport office, including:
- Issuing a new passport or renewing it
- Issuing a national ID or a replacement for a lost one
- Issuing a family card
- Registering births
- Expatriate services that require a personal review
- Residency and visa inquiries
Steps to Book a Passport Appointment via Absher
The booking process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Absher platform — visit Absher individuals at absher.sa or open the Absher app on your phone.
- Log in — use your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you can easily register a new one.
- Select “Electronic Services” — from the main menu, look for passport services.
- Choose “Book an Appointment” — under passport services, you will see the option “Book an appointment for passport services.” Click on it.
- Select the Service — a list of available services will appear. Choose the service you need (e.g., issuing a passport, renewing an ID, etc.).
- Choose the Region and Branch — passport branches in your area will be displayed. Select the nearest branch to you.
- Select the Suitable Appointment Time — available times will be shown. Choose the date and time that works for you.
- Confirm the Booking — review your information and click confirm. You will receive a confirmation message on your phone.
The New Appointment System
The Ministry of Interior has developed the appointment system so that:
- Appointments are available for up to 14 days in advance
- You can cancel or reschedule the appointment via Absher up to 24 hours before
- If you are more than 10 minutes late, the appointment will be automatically canceled
- Each person can book a maximum of 2 appointments per month
- Appointments are available from Sunday to Thursday, in two sessions: morning and evening
Required Documents
Before going to your appointment, make sure you have:
- The confirmation booking number (from Absher)
- National ID (for Saudis) or residency (for residents)
- A recent passport-sized photo (if the service requires it)
- Any additional documents depending on the service (e.g., old passport for renewal)
Important Tips
- Double-check your details before confirming the booking
- Try to book early as appointments fill up quickly in some branches
- If you have an urgent transaction, there is an “Urgent Appointments” service in some passport branches
- Use the Absher mobile app — it’s easier and faster than the website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times can I book a passport appointment per month?
A: The maximum is 2 appointments per month per person. If you cancel an appointment, you can book another one in its place.
Q: What should I do if I am late for my appointment?
A: If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your appointment time, it will be automatically canceled, and you will need to book a new appointment via Absher.
Q: Can I book an appointment for someone else?
A: Yes, you can book appointments for dependents (spouse, children, domestic workers) from your Absher account.
Q: How do I cancel an appointment?
A: Go to Absher > Electronic Services > Passports > Book Appointment > Cancel Appointment. You must do this at least 24 hours before the appointment to avoid penalties.
Q: Is there a fee for booking an appointment?
A: No, booking an appointment is free. Payment is only required when completing the transaction at the passport office.
Q: Are appointments available for residents?
A: Yes
Yes, the service is available for Saudis and residents alike.
In summary: booking a passport appointment via Absher saves people a lot of time and effort. The steps are simple and you only need a few minutes. All you need to do is book through Absher, arrive at the scheduled time, and complete your transaction with ease.
