If you are planning a visit to Saudi Arabia—whether for Umrah, Hajj, tourism, or business—you might find it surprising when a taxi company asks for your passport and visa details at the time of booking. This request is not random. In fact, it is based on legal requirements, security checks, and smooth facilitation of transport services across various Saudi cities. Whether you are traveling in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, or any other region, you will likely be asked to provide these documents.
List of Reasons: Why Taxi Services in Saudi Arab Request Passport Details & Visa Copies?
So why do Saudi taxi firms request passport and visa information? Let’s break it down.
Legal Requirement for Transport Providers
The Saudi Transport and Traffic Authority (TGA) has required authorized taxi firms to authenticate the identity of overseas passengers. This includes obtaining a clear copy of the passport and visa of every non-resident. The goal is to ensure that only legal visitors are using domestic transport services.
This law applies to taxi services in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, and even smaller cities. Whether you’re booking a taxi for a short trip or a long-distance Ziyarat journey, the documentation helps ensure all travel is registered and traceable.
Enhanced Passenger Safety and Verification
One major reason why taxis in Saudi Arabia need visa copies is to guarantee the safety of both the rider and the driver. By requesting official identification, companies can cross-check travel records and prevent fraud or misuse of services. This step is especially important in sensitive religious zones like Haramain, where the movement of pilgrims is constantly monitored.
This is also why Umrah taxi bookings with documents are now a standard practice. Companies like Fater Land Transport maintain proper records of every passenger as part of their safety and tracking protocol.
Preventing Illegal Ride-Share and Unauthorized Bookings
Due to a rise in unregistered ride-share drivers and unauthorized private vehicle use, Saudi taxi companies have tightened their documentation rules. By requiring visa and passport copies, licensed companies can filter out false bookings or identify passengers involved in suspicious activity.
This step ensures that your ride is being handled by a verified service provider and not by an unapproved vehicle or individual.
Visa Matching for Region-Based Transport
In Saudi Arabia, transport rules can differ by region. For example, pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah have visas specifically issued for Umrah. This visa may restrict travel to other cities or regions. That is why taxi services in Makkah request passport and visa details before confirming your ride. They need to confirm that your visa allows travel to the destination you are booking.
This also explains why taxi services in Riyadh or Jeddah request passport verification—to ensure compliance with the terms of your visa.
Why Passport Details Are Required in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah?
These cities have higher travel regulations due to the sacred nature of the sites:
- During peak pilgrimage seasons, local authorities conduct frequent checks.
- Entry to some zones is restricted to pilgrims with valid Umrah or Hajj visas.
- Taxi drivers must prove that their passengers are legally allowed in the region.
Smooth Airport and Hotel Transfers for Pilgrims
Pilgrims often book taxis in advance for Ziyarat, airport pickups, or hotel transfers. To avoid confusion at the pickup point or issues at checkpoints, taxi companies like Fater Land Transport ask for your passport and visa. This helps them prepare the correct vehicle, assign a verified driver, and ensure entry to sensitive locations such as Haram boundaries, Zamzam Tower, or hotel zones in central Makkah.
Without proper documents, a driver may be denied access or stopped at a checkpoint, delaying your trip and causing unnecessary stress.
Smooth Communication and Emergency Handling
Another practical reason for requesting documents is emergency coordination. If a passenger loses communication or gets delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, the transport company can use the shared passport and visa information to track the passenger, respond to authorities, or assist in immigration-related queries.
Companies like Fater Land Transport have dedicated customer support teams that rely on these details to serve clients better during high-traffic seasons such as Ramadan, Rabi ul Awwal, or Hajj.
Religious Travel Needs More Regulation
Umrah and Ziyarat taxi bookings are deeply tied to religious movements, especially during peak seasons. In such times, the government imposes specific travel regulations on pilgrims. When you book a taxi for Umrah Ziyarat or intercity pilgrimage visits, companies need to confirm that your documents match the permissions allowed by your visa.
This step helps avoid fines and ensures a stress-free religious journey.
Why Fater Land Transport Asks for Passport and Visa Details
Many travelers wonder, “Why do taxi services in Saudi Arabia ask for passport and visa details?” It is for your own safety and legal protection. Here are the reasons:
- It is required by Saudi authorities to maintain records of transport services offered to pilgrims.
- It helps in verifying traveler identity for Ziyarat and Umrah routes.
- Ensures that no unlawful travel activity occurs.
- For group bookings or cross-city trips, documents are needed to avoid security or check-post issues.
Fater Land Transport follows all legal and religious protocols to protect both the driver and the rider. All documents are kept confidential and used only for verification purposes. Fater team strive to offer secure, reliable, and transparent taxi service throughout Saudi Arabia. We request your passport and visa during the booking process to comply with national regulations, ensure passenger safety, and offer smooth airport and hotel transfers.
This verification also allows us to offer personalized packages for Umrah pilgrims, Ziyarat visitors, and international tourists arriving from countries like Pakistan, India, the UK, and the USA.
How to Book a Taxi in Saudi Arabia with Your Passport? (Fater)
With Fater Land Transport, the process is simple:
- Share your passport and visa copies via WhatsApp or website form.
- Get a confirmation message with your car and driver details.
- Enjoy your journey without delays or legal concerns.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the reasons behind Saudi taxis asking for passport and visa copies, it becomes clear that this is not just a formality. It is a necessary step to ensure a lawful, secure, and smooth travel experience. Whether you are booking a taxi in Makkah, Ziyarat taxi in Madinah, or airport transport from Jeddah, always keep your documents ready.
If you are traveling soon and looking for a verified taxi service, Fater Land Transport offers pre-booking options, professional drivers, and full documentation support to ensure your journey is peaceful and stress-free.