The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has authorized the use of the government-issued Visitor ID to open bank accounts, expanding access to financial services for short-term residents, business travelers, and pilgrims. The decision, announced at the end of September, is framed as a step toward financial inclusion and part of Saudi Vision 2030’s digital transformation program.
Expanding Access Through Visitor ID
The Visitor ID, issued by the Ministry of Interior, can now be verified through authorized digital platforms such as Absher and Nafath. Banks may use the credential to authenticate individuals who do not hold a residency permit (Iqama), a requirement that previously excluded most visitors from retail banking.
“This decision will enable banks to open accounts for new consumer segments and enhance the visitor experience during their stay in the Kingdom,” SAMA said, adding that the change reflects a periodic review to keep pace with market developments.
The new framework provides flexibility for banks to extend services while still applying standard account-opening rules and compliance checks.
Financial Inclusion and Vision 2030
The policy aligns with Vision 2030 goals to digitize services and broaden access to the financial system. By accepting the Visitor ID, SAMA is bringing additional categories of residents into formal banking channels, from business travelers to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, while promoting digital authentication methods to strengthen account security.
Saudi Arabia has been rapidly scaling its digital identity ecosystem. The Absher platform recently surpassed 28 million registered digital identities, reflecting the country’s reliance on biometric and electronic ID systems for government and commercial services. Recent initiatives have also included partnerships with IDEMIA on smart city projects and regulatory updates such as the approval of digital ID for foreign property ownership.
Broader Industry Context
The introduction of Visitor ID-based account opening demonstrates how financial regulation is adapting to digital identity infrastructure. It also illustrates how national ID programs can serve as a foundation for extending access to essential services, particularly in markets where visitor flows are a significant part of the economy.
For Saudi Arabia, the move strengthens its reputation as an early adopter of digital ID and biometric technologies in the Middle East, while also supporting the government’s financial inclusion agenda.
Source: Saudi Press Agency, Arab News, Gulf News, Arabian Business, Economic Times
–
By the ID Tech Editorial Team
