Checking Your Iqama and Travel Status (Tawasul / RAVI)
Expatriates sometimes search for tools like 'Tawasul' or 'RAVI' to check whether they are cleared to travel out of and back into Saudi Arabia. What they are really checking is their travel-permission status, linked to their Iqama and exit/re-entry visa. This guide explains what that status is and how to check it through official means.
The travel-permission status many people call 'red or green' is tied to your exit and re-entry visa, and you check it through the official Absher and MOI services using your Iqama number. Green generally means you are cleared to travel and return within your visa period; red generally means you are not yet cleared. Always confirm through the official portals rather than unofficial tools.
What people are really checking
Names like Tawasul and RAVI circulate among expatriates as ways to check travel clearance, but the underlying thing being checked is always the same: your travel-permission status, which depends on having a valid exit and re-entry visa. Rather than rely on the changing names of unofficial tools, it is safest to check directly through the official government services.
Your Iqama lets you live in the country, but leaving and returning needs a valid exit and re-entry visa. The 'red or green' status is simply whether that travel permission is currently active for you.
How to check your travel status officially
Check your travel-permission status through the official service using your Iqama number, rather than third-party tools.
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.
The safest way to check
Because unofficial apps and tool names come and go, and because your travel status is sensitive, the reliable approach is to check through Absher or the MOI portal directly. These show you whether your exit and re-entry visa is valid and therefore whether you are cleared to travel.
For the full explanation of what red and green mean and how to move from one to the other, see our dedicated guide on Iqama red or green status.
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
Is Tawasul or RAVI official?
The reliable, official way to check your travel status is through Absher and the MOI portal. Tool names that circulate informally change over time, so prefer the official services.
What does my travel status depend on?
On having a valid exit and re-entry visa. Green generally means cleared to travel and return; red generally means not yet. See our red or green status guide.
How do I get cleared to travel?
Generally by obtaining a valid exit and re-entry visa through Absher, often with your sponsor's involvement. See our exit and re-entry visa guide.
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.