Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, or GACA, has instructed airlines to verify passengers’ travel documents before allowing them to board.
The order covers airlines operating at airports across the Kingdom.
Carriers must check the latest entry, exit and transit requirements that apply to every passenger.
The official GACA circular is titled “Requirement to Verify and Apply Up-to-Date Travel Requirements for Entry, Exit and Transit Applicable to Passengers.”
Transit rules can affect connecting passengers
The order is not limited to the traveler’s final destination.
Airlines must also review the rules of countries where a passenger will change planes or pass through immigration.
Some transit countries may require a valid visa, health document or permit, depending on the passenger’s nationality and the length or type of connection.
Rules may also differ when travelers need to collect their bags, change airports or leave the international transit area.
A passenger without the required document may be refused boarding even if they have a confirmed ticket.
What documents may be checked?
Required documents depend on the traveler’s nationality, route and destination.
These may include:
- A passport with enough remaining validity
- A valid entry or transit visa
- A residence permit or re-entry document
- A confirmed onward or return ticket
- Health or vaccination documents when required
Passengers should not assume that documents used during an earlier trip remain enough.
Immigration and transit rules can change, while separate requirements may apply to children and holders of different passports.
Saudia’s official travel guidance advises passengers to carry valid travel documents and check passport requirements before flying.
What Saudi travelers should do before departure
Passengers should check the official immigration website of their destination and every country included in their route.
They should also contact their airline if the trip includes multiple bookings, airport changes or a long layover.
Filipino travelers may check travel advisories through the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh or the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.
Printed and digital copies of important documents may also help during airport checks.
The airline will conduct the boarding review, but passengers remain responsible for obtaining the correct documents before travelling.