Saudi Post (SPL) Tracking
Saudi Post tracking, offered through the operator now branded as SPL (Saudi Post | SPL), lets you follow domestic and international shipments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in real time. Whether you are waiting on an EMS express parcel, a WASEL home delivery, or an international package clearing customs, tracking keeps you informed at every step. This guide explains how to find and read your tracking number, what each status means, how long delivery takes, and what to do when tracking stops updating.
Tips for Tracking Saudi Post Packages
To get the most accurate and timely updates, keep these tips in mind:
Check your tracking number twice to make sure every character is correct.
Have your National Address ready, since SPL ties delivery to the Kingdom's National Address system.
Watch for SMS notifications from SPL, especially for customs or VAT payment links.
Use a universal tracker like InstantParcels to follow your parcel even after it changes hands between postal services.
How to Identify a Saudi Post Tracking Number
A Saudi Post tracking number is typically 13 characters long, following the international UPU standard. It starts with two letters, followed by nine digits, and ends with two letters (SA) that identify Saudi Arabia as the origin country. You can find your tracking number:
On the shipping receipt or label from a Saudi Post branch.
In confirmation emails or SMS messages from online stores that shipped via SPL.
In your SPL account if you booked the shipment online.
Saudi Post Tracking Number Format
The first letter of a 13-character Saudi Post number usually signals the type of shipment, while the final two letters (SA) confirm the country of origin. Common formats include:
Small registered packets (up to 2 kg): begin with the letter R, for example RA123456785SA.
Parcel shipments (up to around 20 kg): often begin with the letter C, for example CD123456785SA.
EMS express items: begin with the letter E, for example EE123456785SA.
Some domestic-only or e-commerce shipments may use a longer numeric reference (13 to 15 characters) generated by SPL's logistics platform. All of these formats are trackable on SPL's site and through third-party trackers like InstantParcels.
Saudi Post Tracking Status Guide
Each status update helps you understand where your shipment is in its journey:
Information received / Pre-shipment: SPL has the shipment details but has not yet physically collected the item.
Accepted / Posted: The item has been handed over to Saudi Post and entered the network.
In transit: The parcel is moving between processing centers or between countries.
Arrived at destination / Customs clearance: The item has reached the destination facility or is being processed by customs.
Out for delivery: A courier is delivering the item to your National Address.
Delivered: The shipment has been handed to the recipient.
Saudi Post Services
SPL offers a range of services for individuals, businesses, and international senders:
WASEL: A home delivery service that brings postal items directly to the doors of citizens and residents using the National Address.
EMS (Express Mail Service): The fastest service SPL offers, carrying shipments of up to 30 kg per parcel for both local and international destinations at competitive rates.
Domestic parcels and registered mail: Standard and express options for sending letters and packages within the Kingdom.
International post: Inbound and outbound shipping connected to foreign postal operators and global carriers.
Alami and business logistics: Cross-border and fulfilment solutions aimed at e-commerce sellers and corporate shippers.
Summary Comparison Table
Service Name | Typical Delivery Time | Tracking Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Domestic Express | 1-3 business days | Yes | Urgent parcels between major cities |
Domestic Standard | 3-7 business days | Yes | Smaller towns and remote regions |
WASEL Home Delivery | 1-5 business days | Yes | Door delivery to the National Address |
EMS (Domestic) | 1-3 business days | Yes | Fast, trackable domestic shipments |
EMS (International) | 5-10 business days | Yes | Express international shipping up to 30 kg |
International Parcel / Registered | 7-21 days | Yes (varies by destination) | Standard cross-border shipments |
Saudi Post Delivery Time Estimates
Domestic Express: 1-3 business days between major cities.
Domestic Standard: 3-7 business days to smaller towns and remote areas.
Outbound International EMS: 5-10 business days to major global hubs such as the USA, UK, and UAE.
Inbound International: 7-21 days, heavily dependent on customs processing.
Delivery times are estimates. Public holidays, weather, peak shopping seasons, and customs inspections can all extend transit.
Saudi Post International Tracking and Customs
For international shipments, your parcel passes between Saudi Post and a foreign postal operator or carrier. Outbound items handed to SPL are tracked through the SPL network and then by the destination country's carrier once they arrive. Inbound items entering Saudi Arabia are processed by Saudi Customs before final delivery.
If your shipment shows a status such as "Held by Customs," watch for an SMS from SPL with a link to pay any applicable VAT (15% in Saudi Arabia) or customs duties. Clearance cannot be completed, and delivery cannot proceed, until these charges are settled. SPL and its partners also reserve the right to open and inspect shipments for safety, security, or regulatory reasons.
The National Address Requirement
Saudi Arabia relies on a National Address system for accurate delivery. As of January 1, 2026, the Transport General Authority (TGA) requires all shipments delivered within the Kingdom to include a valid National Address. Couriers may reject or return shipments that lack this information, so confirming your National Address with the sender helps avoid delays and returns.
Benefits of Using Saudi Post (SPL)
Nationwide coverage across the Kingdom, including remote regions.
Integration with the National Address system for precise door delivery.
Express EMS options for fast domestic and international shipping.
Tracking included on most parcel and registered services.
Unusual Saudi Post Tracking Statuses
Some less common statuses can appear when you check tracking:
Held by customs - The shipment is awaiting clearance or payment of duties and VAT. Look for an SMS payment link from SPL and respond promptly.
Returned to sender - The item could not be delivered, often due to a missing or invalid National Address, an incorrect recipient detail, or an unsuccessful delivery attempt.
No update for an extended period - International parcels can sit without scans while crossing borders or moving between postal operators. This is common and usually resolves once the item is scanned in the destination country.
Delayed or Lost Shipments
If your package is delayed or appears lost:
Recheck the tracking status on SPL's website or through InstantParcels.
Confirm the National Address and recipient details with the sender.
Contact Saudi Post customer service for items that have shown no movement for an unusually long time.
Keep your receipt and any reference numbers in case you need to file an inquiry or claim.
How to Contact Saudi Post (SPL)
Online: Visit the SPL website at splonline.com.sa for tracking and support.
Phone: Call the Saudi Post contact center at 920005700 within the Kingdom.
In person: Visit a local Saudi Post branch for help with shipments and inquiries.
Saudi Post Company Background
Saudi Post is the national postal operator of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In recent years it has been restructured and rebranded as SPL (Saudi Post | SPL), broadening its focus from traditional mail to logistics, e-commerce fulfilment, and address-based delivery built around the Kingdom's National Address system. Today SPL handles letters, parcels, EMS express shipments, and international post, serving individuals, businesses, and online retailers across Saudi Arabia.
No matter which Saudi Post tracking number you hold, you can always follow your shipment with the universal postal tracker at InstantParcels.
Saudi Post Common Questions:
How do I track a Saudi Post (SPL) package?
Enter your Saudi Post tracking number into the tracking field on the SPL website (splonline.com.sa) or use a universal tracker like InstantParcels. You will see status updates from acceptance through to delivery.
What does a Saudi Post tracking number look like?
Most Saudi Post tracking numbers are 13 characters: two letters, nine digits, and two final letters (SA) for Saudi Arabia, for example EE123456785SA. Some domestic or e-commerce shipments use a longer numeric reference of 13 to 15 characters.
What do the first letters of a Saudi Post tracking number mean?
The first letter usually indicates the shipment type. Numbers starting with R are small registered packets (up to 2 kg), C are parcels (up to about 20 kg), and E are EMS express items. The final SA confirms Saudi Arabia as the origin.
Where do I find my Saudi Post tracking number?
Look on your shipping receipt or label from a Saudi Post branch, in confirmation emails or SMS messages from the online store that shipped your order, or in your SPL account if you booked the shipment online.
What is SPL and how is it related to Saudi Post?
SPL (Saudi Post | SPL) is the current brand of the national postal operator of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Post was restructured and rebranded as SPL, expanding from traditional mail into logistics, e-commerce fulfilment, and address-based delivery.
What is the WASEL service?
WASEL is Saudi Post's home delivery service. It delivers postal items directly to the doors of citizens and residents using the Kingdom's National Address system, rather than to a PO box.
What is Saudi Post EMS?
EMS (Express Mail Service) is the fastest service SPL offers. It carries shipments of up to 30 kg per parcel to both local and international destinations and includes tracking.
How long does Saudi Post domestic delivery take?
Domestic Express usually takes 1-3 business days between major cities, while Domestic Standard takes about 3-7 business days for smaller towns and remote regions. Times are estimates and can vary.
How long does international Saudi Post delivery take?
Outbound EMS to major global hubs such as the USA, UK, and UAE generally arrives within 5-10 business days. Inbound international items can take 7-21 days, largely depending on customs clearance.
Why is my Saudi Post tracking not updating or stuck?
Tracking can pause for several reasons: the parcel is in transit between facilities or countries, it is awaiting customs clearance, or it has changed hands between postal operators. International items often show no scans for several days while crossing borders and then update suddenly. If there is no movement for an unusually long time, contact Saudi Post or recheck on InstantParcels.
What does 'Held by Customs' mean for my Saudi Post shipment?
It means your item is awaiting customs clearance. Watch for an SMS from SPL with a link to pay any applicable VAT (15% in Saudi Arabia) or customs duties. Delivery cannot proceed until these charges are paid and clearance is complete.
Do I have to pay VAT or duties on parcels into Saudi Arabia?
Many imported items are subject to 15% VAT and may carry customs duties depending on the goods and their value. SPL typically sends an SMS payment link when payment is required before delivery.
What is a National Address and why does Saudi Post need it?
The National Address is Saudi Arabia's standardized addressing system. As of January 1, 2026, all shipments delivered within the Kingdom must include a valid National Address, and couriers may reject or return items that lack it. Confirm your National Address with the sender to avoid delays.
Why was my Saudi Post package returned to sender?
Common reasons include a missing or invalid National Address, incorrect recipient details, unpaid customs charges, or failed delivery attempts. Verify your address details with the sender before reshipment.
Can I track a Saudi Post parcel after it leaves Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Outbound shipments are tracked through the SPL network and then by the destination country's postal operator or carrier once they arrive. A universal tracker like InstantParcels can follow the item across both legs using the same number.
How do I contact Saudi Post (SPL) customer service?
Visit splonline.com.sa for online support and tracking, call the Saudi Post contact center at 920005700 within the Kingdom, or visit a local Saudi Post branch for help with shipments and inquiries.
What should I do if my Saudi Post package is lost?
Recheck the tracking status, confirm the address and recipient details with the sender, and contact Saudi Post if the item has shown no movement for an unusually long time. Keep your receipt and reference numbers in case you need to file an inquiry or claim.
Where do I find my Saudi Post tracking number?
- If you are sender: you can find your tracking number on the Post Office™ shipping receipt, that was given to you while registration.
- If you are receiver: your tracking number could be located in your shipment confirmation email, or in online store order page.
Saudi Post package lost or stolen what to do?
If you think that your package was lost or stolen, you may contact directly with carrier contact center for investigation.
Saudi Post contact information:- Website: http://www.sp.com.sa/
- Phone: 966 9200 05700
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