Saudi Arabia Apps You Must Download Before Arrival (2025)
Saudi Arabia has digitized faster than almost any country in the Middle East. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative has moved government services, health verification, religious permits, and daily transactions into mandatory apps.
For tourists, this means: if you don't have certain apps installed and configured, you may not be able to enter mosques, access government services, or navigate efficiently.
Here's every app you need, in order of importance.
Government-Mandated Apps
1. Tawakkalna (توكلنا) — Digital Identity & Health
What it does: Originally launched for COVID health status, Tawakkalna has evolved into Saudi Arabia's primary digital identity verification platform.
Why tourists need it:
- Required for entry to some government buildings
- Digital visa display (backup to physical visa)
- Event and venue access verification
- Health services registration
Setup:
- Download from App Store / Google Play
- Select "Visitor" registration
- Enter your visa number or passport details
- Verify via SMS to your phone number
- Upload a photo if prompted
Important: Tawakkalna may not activate properly outside Saudi Arabia. Download it before your trip, but complete registration upon arrival when connected to a Saudi network.
Language: Arabic and English supported
2. Absher (أبشر) — Government Services Platform
What it does: Saudi Arabia's unified government services portal for immigration, visa management, and official transactions.
Tourists may need it for:
- Checking visa status and validity
- Exit/re-entry permit verification (for multi-entry visas)
- Reporting lost documents
- Some hotel check-in systems reference Absher data
Setup:
- Download from App Store / Google Play
- Register as "Visitor"
- Enter passport number and visa information
- Biometric enrollment may be required at airport or Absher service center
Note: Not all tourist visa types are fully supported in Absher. If your visa type isn't recognized, don't worry — your passport remains the primary document.
3. Nusuk (نسك) — Hajj & Umrah Platform
Who needs it: Anyone visiting Mecca or Medina for religious purposes.
Critical: Without Nusuk registration, you cannot enter the Haram (sacred mosque) areas in Mecca during peak periods. This is strictly enforced.
What it does:
- Umrah permit booking
- Hajj registration and scheduling
- Prayer time reservations for Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina)
- Accommodation booking for pilgrims
Setup:
- Download from App Store / Google Play
- Create account with passport details
- Select your visit type (Umrah/Hajj/Visit)
- Book your visit dates and times
- Download your permit QR code
Book early: During Ramadan and Hajj season, slots fill up weeks in advance. Don't wait until arrival.
4. Eatmarna (إعتمرنا) — Mosque Visit Reservations
What it does: Manages visitor reservations for the Two Holy Mosques.
Note: Eatmarna functionality has been partially merged into Nusuk. Check both apps — the active one may depend on the season and your visit type.
Payment & Daily Life Apps
5. STC Pay — Digital Wallet
Saudi Arabia's most popular digital payment platform:
- QR code payments at shops, restaurants, cafes
- Peer-to-peer transfers
- Bill payments
- Available to visitors with a Saudi phone number
Setup: Requires Saudi SIM card with phone number. Register with passport.
Alternative for tourists: International Visa/Mastercard is widely accepted at most commercial establishments. STC Pay is convenient but not essential if you have a working card.
6. Careem — Ride-Hailing
The dominant ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia (acquired by Uber):
- More widely used than Uber in the Kingdom
- Accepts international credit cards
- Available in all major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam
- Female drivers available for female passengers
Setup: Download, register with your phone number, add international card.
Tip: Careem also offers food delivery and daily services.
7. HungerStation — Food Delivery
Saudi Arabia's largest food delivery platform:
- Extensive restaurant coverage across major cities
- English interface available
- Accepts international cards
Alternative: Jahez is another popular option.
8. Google Maps — Navigation
Unlike some countries, Google Maps works well in Saudi Arabia:
- Accurate navigation and traffic data
- Transit information for Riyadh Metro (opened 2024)
- Business listings and reviews
- Download offline maps for areas with poor connectivity
Connectivity: Getting a Saudi SIM
You'll need a local number for Tawakkalna, STC Pay, and SMS verification:
At the Airport
- STC (الاتصالات) and Mobily counters in arrival halls
- Tourist SIM plans: SAR 50–100 for 7–30 days
- Requires passport registration (mandatory)
- English-speaking staff available
eSIM Option
- Airalo and similar providers offer Saudi data eSIMs
- Limitation: eSIMs don't provide a Saudi phone number
- Works for data/maps but not for app verification requiring Saudi SMS
Common Failures and How to Handle Them
Tawakkalna Won't Activate
- Ensure you're connected to Saudi network (not roaming via another country's network)
- Try closing and reopening the app
- Some visa types aren't recognized — contact your hotel for assistance
Nusuk Slots Fully Booked
- Check back daily — cancellations open up slots
- Try different time slots (early morning and late night are usually available)
- Contact your tour operator if you booked through one — they may have reserved allocation
STC Pay Registration Failed
- Requires Saudi SIM that's been active for 24+ hours
- International passport verification can take 1–3 business days
- Use international card as backup while waiting
Mada Payment Declined
Saudi's domestic debit network (Mada) doesn't work with foreign cards. If a terminal shows "Mada only":
- Ask: "Do you have a Visa or Mastercard terminal?" — many shops have separate machines
- Pay cash (keep SAR 500–1,000 for smaller shops)
Emergency Arabic Phrases
| Situation | Arabic | Pronunciation | English | |-----------|--------|---------------|---------| | Accept Visa? | هل تقبلون فيزا؟ | Hal taqbaloon Visa? | Do you accept Visa? | | Where is ATM? | أين أقرب صراف آلي؟ | Ayn aqrab sarraf aali? | Where is the nearest ATM? | | Help | ساعدوني | Sa'idooni | Help me | | I'm a tourist | أنا سائح | Ana sa'ih | I'm a tourist | | Taxi please | تاكسي لو سمحت | Taxi law samaht | Taxi please |
Pre-Departure Checklist
- [ ] Download: Tawakkalna, Absher, Careem, Google Maps
- [ ] If visiting Mecca/Medina: Download Nusuk, book permits 2+ weeks early
- [ ] Check visa type is supported in Tawakkalna
- [ ] Notify your bank about Saudi Arabia travel
- [ ] Carry SAR 1,000–2,000 equivalent in USD/EUR for exchange
- [ ] Bring loose, modest clothing (dress code is enforced)
Use our Saudi Arabia Setup Kit for the interactive checklist with progress tracking.
Last updated: February 2025.