Traveling to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning—especially with new entry protocols. One crucial requirement is Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival. This mandatory step helps the Saudi government track incoming travelers, confirm health status, and streamline border entry. Whether you’re visiting for Umrah, business, or work, this guide will help you complete the process correctly and confidently.
What Is Muqeem Registration?
The Muqeem portal is an official online platform created by the Saudi Arabian government. It allows travelers to submit arrival information, including vaccination and COVID-19 health data, in advance.
Completing Muqeem registration 72 hours before arriving in the Kingdom is mandatory for non-Saudi travelers. It ensures faster immigration processing and compliance with Saudi Arabia’s health and safety regulations.
Who Needs to Register?
Anyone entering Saudi Arabia who is not a Saudi citizen must complete the Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival. This includes:
- Tourists
- Expats and residents returning to the Kingdom
- Pilgrims (Umrah or Hajj)
- Business travelers
- Transit passengers staying over 8 hours
Failure to register may lead to delays at the airport or denied entry.
Why Register 72 Hours Before Arrival?
Timing is critical. The 72-hour window allows the Ministry of Health to verify documents and update traveler information across immigration and airport systems. Here’s why it’s important:
- Ensures vaccination records are pre-approved
- Minimizes entry delays at immigration
- Helps align with Saudi Arabia’s health policies
- Provides peace of mind to travelers
How to Complete Muqeem Registration in 2025
Visit the Official Muqeem Portal
Go to https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home. Use a reliable browser and secure internet connection.
Choose Your Traveler Type
Select whether you’re:
- A visitor (tourist, business, or Umrah)
- A resident expat (Iqama holder)
- A GCC national or companion
- A domestic worker accompanying a Saudi citizen
Enter Your Personal and Travel Details
You’ll need:
- Full name (as on passport)
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Flight number and port of arrival
- Expected arrival date
Ensure all details match your airline booking and passport.
Upload Vaccine Certificate
Submit a clear PDF or image of your approved COVID-19 vaccine certificate. Accepted vaccines in Saudi Arabia include:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- Oxford-AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson
Make sure your certificate is:
- In English or Arabic
- Issued by a recognized authority
- Includes your name, vaccine type, and dates
Accept Terms and Submit
Review your information carefully. Check all boxes confirming the validity of your documents and submit the form.
You’ll receive a confirmation message and possibly a PDF receipt. Print it or save it on your phone for immigration.
Important Tips for Successful Muqeem Registration
Double-check travel documents
Make sure your name and passport number are consistent across your visa, ticket, and registration form.
Register early—but not too early
Complete your Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival, not more. Submissions before this window may not be processed.
Use valid email and phone number
You may receive important updates or requests for clarification. Ensure your contact details are active and correct.
Carry printed confirmation
While digital copies are accepted, printed proof can save time at immigration checkpoints, especially in case of technical issues.
What Happens If You Skip Muqeem Registration?
Arriving in Saudi Arabia without registering may result in:
- Entry denial
- Prolonged delays at immigration
- Additional screening or quarantine
- Fines or deportation in extreme cases
Even if your airline allows boarding, immigration may stop you upon landing. It’s not worth the risk.
Traveling for Umrah? Extra Steps You Should Know
If you’re visiting for Umrah:
- Ensure your visa includes Umrah permissions
- Register your vaccine status on Muqeem before you arrive
- Download and activate Tawakkalna app once inside Saudi Arabia
- Book Umrah appointments via the Nusuk app
Compliance with health and registration policies ensures a smoother pilgrimage.
Muqeem Registration and the Tawakkalna App
Tawakkalna is Saudi Arabia’s health tracking app. After completing Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival, your vaccination status gets synced to Tawakkalna.
Upon arrival:
- Download Tawakkalna
- Register using your passport and mobile number
- Enable location services
Tawakkalna is required for entering hotels, malls, mosques, and public transport.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering more than 72 hours before arrival – wait until the window opens
- Uploading unclear vaccine documents – blurry or incomplete files may be rejected
- Entering wrong passport number – cross-check every digit
- Ignoring follow-up emails – respond to any queries from the Muqeem system
What If I Change My Flight?
If your arrival date or flight changes after registration, complete the process again using the updated information. The system allows re-registration with new details.
Muqeem Registration for Children and Dependents
Yes, children and dependents must also be registered, even infants. Parents can submit on behalf of minors. Use the same steps and ensure their documents are uploaded.
Muqeem and COVID-19 Testing Rules
As of mid-2025, Saudi Arabia no longer requires a negative PCR test for fully vaccinated travelers. However, Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival still applies.
Unvaccinated travelers may face additional testing or quarantine depending on current regulations.
FAQs About Muqeem Registration 72 Hours Before Arrival
Do I need to register if I have a Saudi residence permit (Iqama)?
Yes. Even Iqama holders must register if arriving from abroad.
Can I register more than 72 hours in advance?
No. The system only accepts submissions within 72 hours of your arrival time.
Is Muqeem registration required for transit passengers?
Only if your layover exceeds 8 hours or you exit the airport.
What should I do if the Muqeem site crashes?
Try again later or switch browsers. If the issue persists, contact your airline or Saudi embassy.
Is Muqeem linked to visa approval?
No. Muqeem is separate from your visa process. You must have a valid visa before registering.
Do I need to register every time I travel to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You must complete a new registration for each entry into the Kingdom.
Don’t Skip Muqeem Registration
Traveling to Saudi Arabia? Don’t forget the Muqeem registration 72 hours before arrival. It’s a simple but essential step that protects your travel experience. By completing your registration on time, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and ensure smooth entry into the Kingdom.
