July 30, 2025 - International tourists to Saudi Arabia can now seek a full refund on the 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) paid for purchases in the country. This is as per a new policy implemented by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). The tourist will have to pay the normal VAT amount when buying something from approved sellers but can claim a refund of the amount when exiting Saudi.

In order to claim the refund, the travellers must keep their purchase receipts which they need to hand over to the refund counter at exit points in the country. To be eligible for a VAT refund, all purchases have to be made within 90 days of the departure date. The refund will be given on purchase from only ZATCA-authorised retailers, that are part of the VAT refund scheme.

Before exiting the country, claim from refund can be made at the VAT refund counter at the airport. For this you will have to present the original tax receipts, passport, proof of departure and VAT refund form. The VAT refund form will have to be filled with the buyer’s personal information and purchase details.

Those eligible for VAT refund are holders of the following visa type:

• Hajj
• Umrah
• Tourist
• Visit

As per reports, there are dedicated VAT refund points operational currently at select airports - King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) and King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)

Refund counters may be found located after immigration but before the boarding gates.

With Media Inputs