Car Rental

Car Rental Requirements for Foreigners in Saudi Arabia

December 24, 2024

Can foreigners rent a car in Saudi Arabia? What documents are required? This article answers all the questions about car rentals for visitors.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, where modernity meets rich heritage! If you are a tourist or foreigner planning to explore this magnificent country, renting a car is one of the best options to reach every corner of the land. However, before embarking on your Saudi road adventure, you need to know certain requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth and safe car rental experience.

In this article, we’ll cover the key conditions for foreigners and tourists renting a car in Saudi Arabia.

Car Rental Laws for Foreigners

Car rental services in Saudi Arabia are regulated by a set of laws to safeguard the rights of both the renter and the rental company while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. Foreigners, whether residents or visitors, must fulfill specific conditions to rent a car.

Both male and female drivers in Saudi Arabia follow the same rental conditions, with no gender-specific distinctions.

Car Rental Requirements in Saudi Arabia

The Public Transport Authority has outlined clear responsibilities and obligations for rental companies and renters. Licensed car rental agencies must ensure vehicles are technically safe, roadworthy, and properly insured by a Saudi-licensed insurance company.

1. Required Documents for Foreigners to Rent a Car

Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia must present:

  • A valid driver’s license.
  • An International Driving License or a valid Saudi driving license.
  • A valid credit card for electronic payments, with sufficient funds to cover rental fees and refundable deposits.
  • A valid insurance card.
  • A valid passport.
  • A valid residency permit (Iqama) or visit visa.

2. Conditions for Car Rentals for Foreigners

Rental conditions for foreigners are generally similar to those for Saudi citizens, with a few additional requirements:

  • The renter’s age must be between 21 and 70 years.
  • The foreign driver’s license must authorize them to operate the desired rental car type.
  • The renter must be free of contagious diseases.
  • The foreign renter’s record must be clear of criminal offenses or legal judgments in Saudi Arabia.
  • Any unpaid traffic fines must be settled before renting the car.
  • Renters must strictly adhere to Saudi traffic regulations.
  • The minimum rental period for most companies is 24 hours.
  • Some car rental companies may require an advance payment or a security deposit before handing over the vehicle.

3. Obligations of the Foreign Renter

Car rental companies in Saudi Arabia impose specific terms and conditions to ensure vehicle safety and proper usage. The main obligations include:

  • Cars are allowed to operate only on paved roads within Saudi Arabia.
  • The renter must return the car on time. Late returns are permitted only within the free grace period specified in the agreement.
  • The renter bears responsibility for any traffic fines or penalties incurred during the rental period. Legal fees for collecting dues will also be charged to the renter if necessary.
  • The car must be returned in the same condition it was rented. Any damage or changes will result in maintenance fees being charged to the renter.
  • Renters must adhere to the allowed mileage limit in the agreement. Additional charges apply for every extra kilometer traveled, as recorded by the vehicle’s odometer.
  • If mechanical failures occur due to negligence or misuse, the renter will bear the maintenance costs.
  • If the renter is at fault in an accident and has chosen third-party insurance in the agreement, they will be responsible for related costs.
  • Renters must adhere to company-specific conditions, such as no smoking or eating inside the car if specified.

How to Rent a Car from Yahma?

Yahma Car Rental offers the most competitive car rental rates in Riyadh and Dammam, along with a fleet of luxurious, modern, and economical vehicles equipped with advanced safety features to suit all preferences and needs.

Ways to Rent a Car from Yahma

  1. Through the Yahma Mobile App
  • Download the Yahma app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
  • Log in and choose a car from our diverse fleet of hundreds of modern vehicles.
  • Select your preferred pickup location and specify the rental dates, whether for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.
  1. Through Yahma Branches

Yahma has branches across major cities like Riyadh and Dammam to serve you wherever you are.

  1. Online Booking via Websitesome text
    • Visit Yahma website for quick and hassle-free car reservations.
    • Choose the nearest branch, specify your pickup and drop-off dates, and select the car that fits your needs.
  2. Booking via Phonesome text
    • Yahma provides a dedicated customer service team ready to assist you with your car rental needs.
    • 📞 Call the customer service hotline: 920010254.

Why Rent a Car from Yahma?

  1. Competitive Prices: Yahma offers better rental rates compared to competitors, with no hidden fees.
  2. Wide Range of Cars: Our fleet includes a variety of car models and brands.
  3. Easy-to-Use Mobile App: Yahma’s streamlined app ensures seamless booking and management.
  4. 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock assistance for inquiries or issues.
  5. Flexible Payment Plans: With Tamara, you can split your rental payments into installments with no interest.

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