Visa rules change without big news stories, but with minor modifications that suddenly become important at the end of the application process. In 2026, one of the most prevalent questions travellers and expats are asking is essential yet straightforward: Do you need a Saudi PCC to apply for a visa?
The short answer is that it depends. Your visa type, travel history, and how long you stayed in Saudi Arabia will all affect this.
This article makes it clear what the newest criteria are, including recent modifications, temporary exceptions, and when you really need a Police Clearance Certificate for Saudi Arabia.
What Is a Saudi PCC?
A Saudi police clearance certificate is an accredited PCC issued by the Saudi government that indicates whether a person has a criminal record in the Kingdom.
This paper shows that you have behaved well toward visa officials in other countries. People often ask for it when:
- You lived or worked in Saudi Arabia for a long time.
- You are applying for a job, permanent residency, or immigration.
- Your destination country needs police clearance from all the countries where you have lived before.
Is the Saudi PCC Mandatory for All Visas in 2026?
No. A Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia is not required for every visa application.
In 2026, most countries will follow a risk-based approach. They request a Saudi PCC only if:
- You stayed in Saudi Arabia for six months or more
- The visa is long-term or permanent
- The visa involves employment, settlement, or background verification
Short-term visit visas usually do not require it.
Saudi PCC for Visa: When It Is Required
You will likely need a Saudi PCC for visa applications if you are applying for:
- Permanent residence or immigration visas
- Work or employment visas
- Dependent or family sponsorship visas (in some countries)
- Student visas with background verification
- Citizenship or long-stay settlement visas
Countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and some EU states commonly request police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant previously lived.
Police Clearance Requirement for Saudi Visas: What Changed Recently?
Because it was hard for former Saudi residents to get documentation, certain visa authorities made temporary changes in 2025–2026. Some of the most recent changes are:
- Accepting explanation letters on a conditional basis if the PCC can’t be provided right away
- More extended deadlines for submitting applications in several immigration programs
- Waivers on a case-by-case basis for people who left Saudi Arabia a long time ago
But they aren’t exemptions that apply to everyone. Most embassies still ask for the Saudi PCC while the application is being checked for background information.
Getting the document ready ahead of time is still the safest way to go.
Saudi PCC Application Process
The Saudi PCC application process depends on whether you are currently in Saudi Arabia or applying from abroad.
If You Are in Saudi Arabia
- Apply through official Saudi police channels
- Use your valid Iqama and registered address
- Biometric verification may be required
If You Are Outside Saudi Arabia
- Obtain a fingerprint form from concerned authority
- Get fingerprints attested as required
- Submit the request through Saudi authorities or authorised representatives
This process often involves coordination between multiple authorities and careful document handling.
How to Get a Saudi PCC for a Visa Application 2026
How to get a Saudi PCC for a visa application in 2026 depends on three things:
- Your residency status (current or former resident)
- Your visa type
- The destination country’s timeline
In many cases, applicants face delays due to missing records, incorrect fingerprints, or incomplete attestations. Planning is critical, especially when visa deadlines are fixed.
Saudi PCC Through Helpline International
The Saudi PCC application procedure is handled from start to finish at Helpline International with care, clarity, and responsibility. We assist you in assessing your eligibility, ensuring you have the required documentation, and working with the appropriate authorities to ensure everything goes smoothly.
We know how visa authorities view police clearance certificates because we have been in business for 25 years, have more than 10 branches worldwide, and are present in more than 100 countries. Not simply what the rules state, but how people really make decisions.
We handle every application as if it matters because it does to our clients, and that’s why they trust us. We make sure to get things right the first time so you don’t have to waste time, stress, or wait.
