How Tourists Can Claim a 15% VAT Refund in Saudi Arabia

Full guide to reclaiming your tax on shopping in the Kingdom before you fly out

Tourists heading to Saudi Arabia now have a welcome perk to look forward to: a 15% VAT refund on qualifying retail purchases. But there’s a catch—you need to follow the rules closely and keep your receipts handy if you want your cash back before boarding that flight home.

The refund policy, introduced on April 18, is part of Saudi Arabia’s push to boost tourism and retail spending. And if you’re visiting the Kingdom, it’s absolutely worth knowing how to get your money back.

The Basics: Who Qualifies and What’s Covered

First things first, not everyone qualifies—and not everything is refundable.

To be eligible, visitors must be non-residents of Saudi Arabia or GCC nationals who meet certain criteria. The purchases must be for personal use only, and the goods must leave the country within 90 days.

Services? Not covered. Groceries or hotel stays? Nope. This is strictly about retail shopping.

The minimum spend? SAR 500 (roughly $133) per transaction.

What You’ll Need at the Airport

If you want to get your VAT refund, make sure you show up at the airport prepared. No last-minute scrambling.

The process starts with making purchases from ZATCA-approved stores. These outlets are usually marked with a “Tax Free” sticker or signage at the entrance or checkout counter.

Before departure, you’ll need to head to a Global Blue refund counter or kiosk at the airport. Here’s what you must carry:

• The original purchase receipt from a ZATCA-approved retailer

• A completed VAT refund form

• Your valid passport

• The purchased items for inspection, in case it’s requested

Yes, you read that right—sometimes, customs officers may want to see what you bought.

Using Global Blue to Find Approved Stores

Global Blue isn’t just some third-party processor—it’s your go-to tool for this entire process.

You can use their app or website to:

• Locate nearby “Tax Free” stores across Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Madinah

• See which airports have refund counters or self-service kiosks

• Check which documents are needed depending on your nationality

There’s even a live VAT calculator to estimate your refund amount, which helps if you’re planning a shopping spree and want to keep tabs.

Refund Methods and Timelines

Now let’s talk about how and when you’ll get your money back.

Refunds are processed either via cash or credited back to your credit/debit card. The processing time varies depending on the method and location:

• Cash refunds are instant at the airport counter (subject to currency availability and limits)

• Card refunds can take a few days to appear on your statement

The amount refunded is not exactly 15%, though. A service fee is deducted by Global Blue for handling the transaction. Still, it’s usually well worth it if your total bill runs high.

Here’s a quick look:

*Estimated after deduction of service fees. Rates can vary.

Some Quick Rules Tourists Shouldn’t Ignore

This isn’t one of those “claim later” deals. Miss the airport refund deadline and your money’s gone.

Also, the goods must be exported personally by the traveler. Shipping items separately disqualifies you from the program.

Another important note: you can’t claim VAT on restricted or consumable items like perfumes, snacks, or goods that have been used during your trip.

Here are a few fast rules to remember:

• Purchases must be made within 90 days of your departure

• Refund must be claimed before check-in (some kiosks are located pre-security)

• Always ask for the refund form at the time of purchase

And yes, keep everything in one bag—it saves time at the counter.

Tourists Are Already Taking Advantage

According to early figures from ZATCA, tourist VAT refund claims saw a sharp uptick in July 2025—just three months after the program’s launch.

Mall operators in Riyadh and Jeddah report increased footfall in luxury outlets and electronics stores, two categories where VAT refunds can add up significantly.

One Paris-based traveler told TOI that he reclaimed nearly $240 on a shopping bill of $1,800 before his flight from King Khalid International Airport. “It was painless,” he said, “and honestly, it made shopping feel less guilty.”

Where to Find Refund Counters

Refund points are available at all major international airports, including:

• King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (JED)

• King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH)

• Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah (MED)

• King Fahd International Airport, Dammam (DMM)

Some of these airports also have self-service kiosks that use passport scanning and digital receipts, which speeds things up dramatically.

Just be sure to arrive early. These counters can get backed up during busy travel seasons.