Saudi Arabia has introduced a Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program for international tourists, enabling them to claim back 15% on eligible purchases. The initiative, launched by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and is being managed by Global Blue, an authorized VAT refund provider.
🛫 Initial Rollout at Major Airports
In its first phase, the VAT refund service is available at three international airports:
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
- King Fahd International Airport, Dammam
✅ Who Can Claim the Refund?
- Eligibility: Non-Saudi tourists aged 18 and above
- Not eligible: Saudi residents, and airline or ship crew members
- Scope: Refunds apply only to personal purchases, not for commercial goods.
🛍️ Steps to Claim VAT Refund1. Shop at Certified Retailers
- Buy goods from Global Blue-certified stores.
- Present your passport or GCC ID at checkout to register the purchase and receive a ‘Tourist Tax Refund Invoice’.
- Purchases from the same store can be grouped (up to three invoices per day) if the combined total exceeds SAR 500 (approx. AED 489).
- You can also use the Global Blue app to scan a QR code for digital processing.
2. Airport Verification
- Before departure, visit a Global Blue self-service kiosk at the airport.
- For high-value items (e.g. jewelry, watches), manual customs verification is required.
- Tourists must carry these items in hand luggage and present original invoices, receipts, passport, and travel documents.
3. Refund Options
- Choose between cash or credit card refund.
- Cash refunds are limited to SAR 5,000 per person per day.
- Amounts exceeding this limit will be refunded to your card within three working days.
❌ What Purchases Are Not Eligible?
- Hotel accommodations
- Food and beverages
- Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
- Oil, gas, and fuel products
- Tobacco and tobacco-related products
Only unused items in original packaging, carried in hand luggage, and purchased from certified stores within the last 90 days are eligible.
Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia aims to boost tourism and enhance the retail experience for international visitors
