Absher Travel Service at Salwa Border Crossing: Features and Registration Steps
The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, announced the launch of the “Absher Travel” service for travelers crossing the Salwa border crossing between the Kingdom and the State of Qatar. This step comes as part of ongoing efforts to develop electronic services and facilitate travel procedures for citizens and residents, ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing waiting times at land border crossings.
Service details and how it works
The “Absher Travel” service allows travelers to register their trip details, vehicle information, and companion details in advance of arrival at the port of entry via the “Absher” app. Upon arrival, the data is automatically verified through smart gates and dedicated lanes for service users, significantly expediting crossing procedures compared to traditional methods.
The context of digital transformation and Vision 2030
This step is not an isolated event, but rather an integral part of the Saudi Ministry of Interior's digital transformation strategy, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. This vision aims to automate government services and improve the quality of life by providing smart technological solutions that save time and effort. This service has already been successfully implemented on the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where it has proven effective in managing crowds and facilitating traffic flow during peak seasons and holidays.
The strategic importance of the Salwa border crossing
The implementation of the service at the Salwa border crossing is of particular importance given the strong fraternal relations and active trade and tourism exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. The Salwa crossing is the main land artery connecting the two countries and experiences heavy traffic, especially during sporting events and tourism festivals held in both nations. The activation of the "Absher Travel" platform is expected to boost tourism between the two countries and facilitate the movement of businesspeople and trade, which will positively impact the local and regional economies.
Key advantages of the Absher Travel service
- Time saving: Reducing the time required to complete travel, passport, and customs procedures.
- Special lanes: Allocating fast lanes for those pre-registered for the service to avoid congestion.
- Ease of use: A simple user interface via the Absher app allows the process to be completed in minutes.
- Technical integration: A direct link between passports and customs to ensure data accuracy and processing speed.
In conclusion, the General Directorate of Passports invites those wishing to travel through the Salwa border crossing to take advantage of this service to ensure a comfortable and smooth travel experience, stressing its continued commitment to offering more digital solutions that serve travelers through all international border crossings of the Kingdom.
