Saudi Arabia has launched a value-added tax (VAT) refund program targeting tourists and nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), enabling qualifying visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on their eligible purchases. This program is part of broader initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a premier tourism and shopping hub.
This refund program is operational at 1,442 approved retail locations throughout the Kingdom and is available to non-resident tourists aged 18 and older. To qualify for the refund, total purchases must exceed SAR500, and the goods must remain unused, intended for personal use, and exported within 90 days.
Certain items, including accommodation, food, vehicles, boats, aircraft, tobacco products, and fuel, are not eligible for refunds.
Convenient refund procedures at airports
Customers can obtain a VAT refund form at the point of sale by providing a valid passport or GCC identification. Multiple invoices from the same vendor on the same day can be combined to reach the required purchase threshold.
Before departing, travelers should validate their tax-free forms at any of the 18 verification counters situated in three major international airports: 10 at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, four at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and four at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Refunds can be issued in either cash or card, with a maximum daily cash limit of SAR5,000 per individual. However, cash refunds are not available at the North Terminal in Jeddah.
Enhancing the growth of tourism and retail
The VAT refund initiative is integral to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve visitor experiences, encourage extended stays, and boost spending in the retail sector. This program supports the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the economy and fostering sustainable tourism development across the Kingdom.