RIYADH: The General Directorate of Passports has advised Saudi citizens planning to travel abroad to take proper care of their passports and ensure they remain secure throughout their journeys.

The directorate urged travelers to protect their passports from loss or damage and warned against neglecting, pledging, or allowing them to be misused. Citizens were also encouraged to keep their passports in a safe place at all times.

Before leaving the Kingdom, travelers should verify that their passports, as well as those of accompanying family members, meet the required validity period. Passports must be valid for at least three months when traveling to Arab countries and six months for travel to all other international destinations.

The directorate also reminded citizens traveling to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that they must carry either a valid passport or a national identity card, in accordance with the applicable travel requirements.