The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rolled out stringent new penalties targeting nationals who journey to forbidden destinations, implementing financial sanctions as high as 30,000 Saudi riyals alongside potential movement restrictions extending up to two years, according to regulations approved by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.
These enhanced enforcement measures will become active on March 31, 2026, representing the Interior Ministry’s strategy to control movement to specified dangerous nations during a period of heightened regional instability. Government officials stated that the catalog of prohibited locations will be established by the ministry following appropriate administrative processes.
The new framework establishes escalating punishments for multiple infractions. Financial penalties may increase twofold, while movement restrictions can stretch to five years for individuals who continue visiting banned nations.
The policies additionally target violations involving travel paperwork requirements. Submitting fraudulent details during travel document applications may trigger penalties reaching 5,000 Saudi riyals plus potential movement limitations.
More severe infractions, such as altering travel paperwork, misappropriating documents, or facilitating unauthorized usage by others, may result in financial sanctions reaching 100,000 Saudi riyals and movement bans extending five years. Government representatives stated these situations will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution.
Authorities noted that limitations may target particular nations classified as dangerous, including areas experiencing active warfare. Movement near the Yemeni frontier faces special restrictions; all journeys are discouraged within 30 kilometers, while non-critical travel is advised against within the 30-80 kilometer range due to ongoing military operations.
The framework acknowledges that exemptions might be granted under specific circumstances, including for persons 60 years or older or individuals maintaining immediate family connections to residents of restricted nations, where reduced sanctions could be applied.
In related developments, officials announced that foreign nationals and visitors holding expired documentation may utilize the Absher digital platform to extend their presence or depart the kingdom without penalties through April 18, 2026.
