The new e-passport has renewed itself with an aesthetic design and has brought in some advanced security features.

Taking another step towards digitalisation, the Saudi Government has launched a new Saudi electronic passport, making it easier for travellers.

During a visit to the Directorate General of Passports in Riyadh on Thursday, the Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif inaugurated the passport, sharing the advancements of it.

The new e-passport has renewed itself with an aesthetic design and has brought in some advanced security features.

During the Prince’s visit, he met the employees of the command-and-control Centre, workers at unified call Centre 992, and the staff members of the beneficiary services centre in the passport directorate.

He was briefed on the services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors. He was also seen reviewing some of the technical devices that enable the General Directorate of Passports that will continue to provide its distinctive electronic services.

“A great and rapid development over the recent years, thanks to Allah and then thanks to the directives and support of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and with continuous follow-up from Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud, minister of interior,” said Director General of Passports Lt. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Yahya in his speech during the ceremony.

During the ceremony, a short video was showcased to the beginnings of the passport sector, its progress, key achievements, and the awards it has received so far.

The new e-passport contains an electronic chip to protect the holder’s data and photos along with a verification feature that can be auto-scanned at smart gates at international borders. It also includes three images of the passport holder, each containing different technology.

Additionally, the look of the passport has also undergone changes with Kingdom’s most famous historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Makkah Clock Tower.