Saudi Arabia replaces passport with digital ID for Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has allowed Hajj pilgrims to travel within the country using a digital identification instead of carrying a physical passport, according to the General Directorate of Passports, as reported by Gulf News.

The announcement is aimed at easing movement for pilgrims during the Hajj season and improving travel convenience across the Kingdom.

Digital ID to replace passport for domestic travel

Pilgrims can obtain the digital visitor ID through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform. Authorities said the document will be recognised as an official ID for travel within Saudi Arabia.


The directorate said the digital ID will remove the need for pilgrims to carry passports while moving between cities. It is expected to simplify travel, especially during peak movement periods.

Officials said the step is designed to make travel safer and more efficient for pilgrims, as large numbers of visitors arrive in the country for Hajj every year, as quoted by Gulf News.

The initiative is part of broader measures introduced by Saudi authorities to streamline processes and manage crowds during the annual pilgrimage.