August 8, 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: If you’re heading to the Kingdom soon, you might want to save those shopping receipts. Thanks to the Saudi Arabia VAT Refund programme, tourists can now get 15% of their spending back on eligible purchases. It’s a great way to stretch your travel budget and who doesn’t love a little cashback while travelling?
Launched in partnership with Global Blue, the Saudi Arabia VAT Refund system officially kicked off in April 2025 and is currently active at three major airports. The aim? To make shopping in Saudi more rewarding and to encourage more visitors to enjoy the country’s growing retail scene.
Where You Can Shop and What You Need to Know
Not all stores are part of the refund programme, so the first thing you need to do is shop at places that are certified by Global Blue. You’ll see a clear sign at these stores, letting you know they’re part of the Saudi Arabia VAT Refundsystem.
When you’re about to pay, simply show your passport or GCC ID before the transaction. This helps link the purchase to your details. The cashier will then give you a special document called the Tourist Tax Refund Invoice, which you’ll need to claim your refund later.
If you don’t reach the SAR500 (around Dh489) spending minimum in one go, don’t worry. You can combine up to three receipts from the same store on the same day. And if you’re a tech-savvy traveller, download the Global Blue app to generate your personal QR code, which helps speed things up at checkout.
How to Claim Your VAT Refund at the Airport
When it’s time to leave Saudi Arabia, keep your receipts handy and don’t pack your new items into your checked luggage just yet. You’ll need to verify them at the airport.
Currently, the Saudi Arabia VAT Refund kiosks are available at these airports:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah
- King Fahd International Airport in Dammam
Here’s how it works: Head to the Global Blue self-service kiosk and scan your receipts and documents. For expensive items like watches or jewellery, an in-person customs check may be needed, so keep everything in your carry-on bag.
Also make sure to have your passport, boarding pass, and original invoices ready. The time between your purchase and departure should not be more than 90 days, so plan your shopping accordingly.
How You’ll Get Your Money Back
You’ll be asked to choose how you’d like to receive your refund, either in cash or back to your credit card. If you pick cash, there’s a daily limit of SAR5,000 per person. If your refund is more than that, the balance will be sent to your international card instead.
Once everything’s verified, your Saudi Arabia VAT Refund will be processed and if you’re using a card, the money should reach your account within three business days.
It’s a small extra step that could get you a nice little reward, perfect for one last airport snack, souvenir, or just saving for your next trip.
Who Can Use the Saudi Arabia VAT Refund and What Qualifies?
The Saudi Arabia VAT Refund is only for tourists, so if you’re a Saudi citizen or have permanent residency, you won’t be eligible. You also need to be at least 18 years old and not working as part of a flight or ship crew when leaving the country.
Refunds only apply to goods meant for personal use, not items you’ll resell. The products must be unused, in original packaging, and packed in your personal hand luggage.
Things you can’t get refunds on include:
- Hotel stays, restaurant bills, and other services used in Saudi Arabia
- Tobacco and its alternatives
- Fuel, oil, and gas products
- Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
In other words, your shopping bags are eligible, not your hotel minibar.
A Tourist-Friendly Step Forward
This new Saudi Arabia VAT Refund initiative is part of a bigger effort to make the country more welcoming to travellers. And for tourists who love to shop or even just pick up a few gifts along the way, it’s a great bonus.
You get to enjoy the Kingdom’s hospitality, explore its stores and souks, and then take a little cash home with you too. So, if you’re visiting Saudi Arabia soon, keep an eye out for the Global Blue signs, and make the most of your shopping.
Also Read: UAE Long Holiday Likely in September 2025 as Prophet’s Birthday Falls on September 4
