Visitors Can Now Open Bank Accounts in Saudi Arabia | What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia has recently made a major regulatory shift: visitors to the Kingdom can now open local bank accounts using a Visitor ID, issued by the Ministry of Interior. This is a big step toward financial inclusion, digital transformation, and making it easier for non-residents to participate in the Saudi banking system.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works, why it matters, and what potential it holds.

What’s Changing? The New “Visitor ID” Rule

1. Visitor ID Recognized as Official ID

• The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially approved the use of the Visitor ID as a valid identification document for opening bank accounts
• This ID is issued by the Ministry of Interior, so it has the same weight (for this purpose) as other identity documents
• Importantly, banks can verify this ID digitally through authorized platforms, making the process more streamlined

2. Aligned With Regulatory Goals

• SAMA says this move is part of a wider review of account-opening rules. The goal: keep up with regulatory developments and modern banking practices
• It also supports financial inclusion, especially for visitors, by giving them formal access to banking
• The change feeds into Saudi Arabia’s digital-transformation push in financial services
  

How to Open a Bank Account as a Visitor in Saudi Arabia?

Here’s how a visitor to Saudi Arabia can go about opening a bank account under this new rule:

Get Your Border / Visitor Number

When you arrive, you’ll need the “border number” or visitor ID from your visa/entry document. This is sometimes called the border number or visitor number.
Use Absher, the Ministry of Interior’s digital platform, to retrieve or register this. Absher is the same portal used for a variety of government services

Apply via Digital “Instant Service”
On Absher, there’s an “Instant Service” (or similar) meant for this visitor-account pathway

Enter your border/visitor number in the required field, along with other personal details as required to generate your digital visitor card. This is what banks will use to verify you.

Open a “Visitor Digital Account” in a Bank

Several banks in Saudi (for example, Bank Albilad) already allow a “Visitor Digital Account (VDA).”
Once your Visitor ID is verified, the bank account can be opened for the duration of your visit.

Why This Matters?

• Better Visitor Experience: Travellers, business visitors, pilgrims, or those on short-term visas no longer need to rely purely on cash. Having a local bank account makes it easier to pay, transfer funds, and use digital banking services.
  
• Financial Inclusion: Historically, non-residents and short-stay visitors faced hurdles in accessing formal banking services. This change lowers that barrier.
  
• Digital Transformation: Banks can onboard new customer segments via digital ID verification. That’s aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader push for financial digitization.
  
• Investment Potential: While the policy is currently about basic account access, having a bank account in Saudi Arabia could be a stepping stone for visitors who want to invest in the Kingdom, whether in local markets, real estate, or other financial opportunities.
  

Challenges

• Regulatory Safeguards: With more non-residents opening accounts, banks and regulators must ensure strong anti-fraud and KYC (Know Your Customer) measures.
  
• Account Limits: It’s not yet clear whether there are limits on how much money visitors can deposit or transact, or if some account types (e.g., high-value or credit accounts) are restricted.
  
• Duration: The visitor account may be tied to the validity of the Visitor ID or visa. What happens once the visa expires? Banks will likely have rules.
  
• Use Cases: Some visitors might only use these accounts for simple payments or remittances. Their willingness to use them for long-term investment may depend on additional features (like investments, credit, or wealth products).
  

Key Takeaways

What this really means is that Saudi Arabia is opening its banking system more widely to visitors. By allowing visitor-ID-based accounts, the Kingdom is lowering a key barrier to financial participation for non-residents. For travellers, business people, and potential investors, this is a powerful new option, not just for keeping money safe but for integrating into the Saudi financial ecosystem. For more assistance regarding the KSA business expansion and related queries, talk to our experts now!