Visiting Saudi Arabia? Know all about the new 20-hour hotel check-out policy

Under the policy, the time from check-in to check-out must not be less than 20 hours, with both times clearly stated in the reservation document.

By: Express Web Desk
Updated: August 12, 2025 08:56 PM IST

2 min read

Know all about Saudi Arabia's new 20-hour hotel check-out policy

A guest’s late arrival does not alter the check-out time listed in the reservation. (Photo: Unsplash)

Saudi Arabia has rolled out a 20-hour check-in and check-out policy for hotels, in line with global hospitality standards. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism announced that there will be a minimum 20-hour period between check-in and check-out at tourist hospitality facilities in the Kingdom.

20-hour check-in/check-out

According to the Saudi Press Agency, under the policy, the time from check-in to check-out must not be less than 20 hours, with both times clearly stated in the reservation document. The policy stated that while facilities may set their own schedules according to location and target clientele, they have to ensure that the guests still receive the full minimum period of stay.

Delay in checking-in won’t change check-out time

It also clarified that a guest’s late arrival does not alter the check-out time listed in the reservation, which means that if check-in is at 10:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 p.m. the next day, the schedule remains unchanged, even if the guest had checked in late.

Tourism Ministry officials explained that the standard allows facilities sufficient time to prepare rooms for the next guest, maintaining high levels of cleanliness and service quality.

Rights of guests

Guests, the Tourism Ministry said, are entitled to receive the exact room type, amenities, services, and standards displayed on booking platforms. It also encouraged visitors to review check-in and check-out policies before confirming reservations.

While the 20-hour check-in and check-out policy may seem like a small step, the standardisation in line with global practices is aimed at streamlining the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Saudi’s focus on tourism

Tourism is a key area of focus for Saudi Arabia as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 to diversify the kingdom’s oil-dependent economy.

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In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed a record 116 million-plus domestic and inbound tourists, which is a 6 per cent increase compared with 2023. According to the Tourism Ministry data, Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8 per cent rise from the previous year.

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