Exit/re-entry visa now an SMS away

JEDDAH: Citizens and residents will now be able to get exit/re-entry visas for their dependents through their mobile phones via SMS. The service, which costs SR20 per visa after initial registration, is aimed at reducing lines at Passport Department offices.

Raid Mohammad Al-Hussain, spokesperson for the Passport Department in Makkah province, confirmed that the new service is already in operation with all three of the country's mobile phone service providers - STC, Mobily and Zain.

The visa can be downloaded from the site http://sms.evisa.com.sa with the visa number and confirmation number sent via SMS.

The first step is to register with the service, called Ishaar, to obtain an access code. This process requires the registration form to be submitted in person to a nearby registration center with copies of relevant identifications. Saudi citizens with foreign employees, such as maids or drivers, can use the service as well.

Once the registration has been made, the service is activated by sending an SMS and receiving a confirmation number that can be used at
the website.

The registration centers can currently be found at Passport Department offices in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Dammam. Sahara Mall and Flamengo Mall in Riyadh and Tahliah Mall in Jeddah also have Passport Department service centers with registration capabilities. The international terminal of Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport has an eGate Office where such registrations can take place. Samba
bank is also acting as an Ishaar intermediary for its account holders seeking to register for the service.

People seeking to utilize this service must pay the SR200 fee and also ensure they have no outstanding traffic fines on their record and provide fingerprints to the Biometrics section of the Passport Department.

Foreign residents seeking to use the service must ensure their iqamas are valid for at least three months and 14 days (104 days) after the period that the exit/re-entry visas is valid. Those whose iqama will expire before that time are not eligible to use the SMS-based service.

Further instructions are available in English or Arabic at the government electronic portal at http://www1.elm.com.sa.

Courtesy: Arab News