Check Iqama From Outside Saudi Arabia
Needing to check your Iqama while you are abroad — before flying back from vacation, or to confirm an exit and re-entry visa is still valid — is a common worry. The reassuring news is that the official portals work from anywhere in the world. This guide focuses on checking from outside the country: what works, and what to watch for.
Yes, you can check your Iqama from outside Saudi Arabia. The Absher app, the MOI portal and the Qiwa inquiry all work internationally with an internet connection. The most important thing to confirm while abroad is that your exit and re-entry visa is still valid for your return — an expired one is what causes problems at the airport, not the check itself.
What works from abroad
All the main methods work outside the Kingdom. If you have the Absher app, you can log in from anywhere (with Nafath approval), which is the most complete option. If not, the MOI and Qiwa public inquiries also work internationally, needing only your Iqama number and details.
Travelling does not lock you out of these services — the only practical requirement is a stable internet connection and your usual identifiers.
How to check from outside Saudi Arabia
These services all work internationally. Use whichever you normally would at home.
Via Absher
Absher is the main government portal for residents and citizens.
- Go to the Absher portal at absher.sa and log in with your username and password, or register through the Nafath app.
- Open the 'My Services' section and choose 'Services'.
- Select 'Reports' and then 'Documents' (or 'Alien Control').
- Your Iqama details, including the expiry date, will be displayed on screen.
Via MOI (Ministry of Interior)
MOI (Ministry of Interior) is the Ministry of Interior e-services portal.
- Open the MOI e-services portal at moi.gov.sa.
- Switch the language to English from the top menu if needed.
- Go to 'E-Services' and then the 'Passports' (Jawazat) services.
- Choose the query service, enter your Iqama number and the verification code, then submit.
Via MOL / Qiwa
MOL / Qiwa is the labor ministry platform, useful when you do not have an Absher account.
- Go to the labor inquiry service on Qiwa (Ministry of Human Resources).
- Select the service to validate worker or Iqama information.
- Enter your Iqama number and your date of birth (Hijri or Gregorian).
- Enter the captcha code and submit to view your Iqama status.
The real thing to check while abroad
When you are outside the country, the critical question is usually not just 'is my Iqama valid' but 'can I get back in'. That depends on your exit and re-entry visa being valid for your whole trip. If it expires while you are away, returning can become complicated and may need your sponsor's help from inside the Kingdom.
So while abroad, check both: that your Iqama itself is valid, and that your exit and re-entry visa covers your return date with a buffer. See our exit and re-entry visa guide for how to confirm it.
Is your Iqama about to expire?
Find out exactly how much renewal costs and what steps to follow before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Do the portals work outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Absher, MOI and Qiwa all function internationally with an internet connection. Your location does not block the check.
What is the biggest risk when abroad?
An expired exit and re-entry visa, which can stop you returning. Always confirm it covers your full trip before and during travel.
Nafath is asking to approve a login from abroad
That is normal security. As long as the Nafath app is on your phone and you have a connection, you can approve logins from anywhere.
Can I check this for free?
Yes. Checking your status through the official government portals is free of charge. You only pay when you carry out a paid transaction such as a renewal.
Do I need an Absher account?
Not always. While Absher is the most complete option, several checks also work through the MOI and labor ministry portals without a personal Absher login.
What details do I need?
Usually your Iqama number is enough. Some portals also let you search using your passport number, border number, date of birth or other details.