How to Check if You Have a Travel Ban in Saudi Arabia

Travel bans are a significant cause of concern for expats and citizens alike as they can prevent people from leaving the country.

Imposed for various reasons like legal disputes, unpaid debts, or security concerns, travel bans can be found through quite a few methods. This guide provides the steps and methods to check if you have a travel ban and what to do if you have one. 

Reasons for Travel Bans in Saudi Arabia

Before talking about the ways to check if you have a travel ban, it’s crucial to understand why it’s imposed in the first place. Some common reasons include: 

1. Legal Disputes: Travel bans can be imposed if you’re involved in any open cases or legal disputes, be it civil or criminal.
2. Unpaid Debts: Financial dues such as unpaid loans, credit card bills, or unpaid fines can lead to travel bans until the debts are settled. 
3. Employment Issues: Any legal or financial disputes with employers, such as contractual disagreements, civil litigation, or unpaid salaries, can lead to travel bans. 
4. Security Concerns: People considered a threat to national security due to personal involvements and dealings may have a travel ban imposed.

Methods to Check for a Travel Ban

1. Using the Absher Platform

Absher is an online platform for government services that allows people to avail a range of services, including checking for travel bans. To use Absher to check your travel ban status, simply:

1. Log In: visit the Absher website and enter your username and password to log in. If you do not have an account, you must register first. 
2. Access Services: Once you’ve logged in, navigate to the My Services section.
3. Inquiries: Select the inquiries menu, followed by passport services.
4. Travel Restrictions: Choose Travel Restrictions to look for travel bans under your Iqama number.

2. Using the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website

The Ministry of Interior also provides an online service to check for travel bans. To check, Follow these steps:

1. Visit the MOI Portal: Go to the MOI website.
2. Log In or Register: Log in using your credentials. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one.
3. E-Services: Navigate to the E-Services section and select Passports.
4. Query Travel Restrictions: Enter your Iqama number to see if any travel bans are issued under your number.

3. Consulting with Legal Authorities

If you can not access online services or prefer a more direct route, you can visit your nearest police station or passport department to ask if you have a travel ban. To find out: 

1. Gather Documents: Bring your passport, Iqama, and other important identification documents. 
2. Submit an Inquiry: Wait for your turn and then request the officials to check your travel ban status after explaining your situation. The officials will be able to provide accurate information and help you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

4. Employer Assistance

For expats, an employer can assist in checking travel ban statuses through specific government portals. They can then submit a request on your behalf. Request assistance from your HR department or employer directly and ask them to check your travel ban status through their channels. Make sure they have all the necessary details, such as your case number, Iqama number, and any other relevant documents. 

What to Do if You Have a Travel Ban

If you find out you have a travel ban, it’s important to resolve the underlying issues as soon as possible. Here are some possible steps you can take: 

1. Understand the Reason: Determine why the travel ban was imposed to help you decide on your next steps and resolve the issue. 
2. Settle Debts: If the ban is due to any financial entanglements, settle them as soon as possible. If prompt payment is not possible, you can also contact your creditor to negotiate a payment plan.
3. Legal Resolution: It’s always good to consult a lawyer to understand the next steps for legal disputes. Sometimes, travel bans last the entirety of the case, but they can be lifted if asked specifically and a genuine reason is provided. 
4. Employer Disputes: If the ban is due to an employment dispute, contact your employer to negotiate the matter on your own. You can contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to help mediate the dispute if that proves unsuccessful. 

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