Saudi Arabia: COVID-19-related restrictions remain in effect nationwide as of Dec. 5 /update 44

Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions in Saudi Arabia as of Dec. 5. Business and travel disruptions to persist.

Event

Various restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remain in effect in Saudi Arabia as of Dec. 5. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens and other foreign nationals who hold valid visas (exit and entry, business, residence, and visit) are permitted to enter and exit the kingdom. Arrivals must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before to travel.

A limited number of international flights to and from Saudi Arabia are operating. Air travel with India, Brazil, and Argentina was barred in September due to increased COVID-19 activity in those countries. Any person who has traveled to those countries in the 14 days prior to their arrival in the country will also be barred from entry. The measure excludes travelers with official government invitations.

Previously enacted measures in Saudi Arabia include:

Arrivals are required to quarantine for three days then take a PCR test after 48 hours. If a PCR test is not conducted, quarantine will continue for seven days.
Arrivals are required to download the 'Tatamman' and 'Tawakkalna' mobile phone applications.
Arrivals must present a completed health disclaimer form to authorities.
Saudi nationals can return via land border crossings with Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE without prior permission. All returnees must comply with existing or future preventive measures upon their return to the kingdom.
The King Fahd causeway has resumed limited non-commercial traffic.
Sea borders remain closed to regular passenger travel until further notice.
Saudi Arabia's land port with Yemen remains closed until further notice. The closures do not apply to commercial transport.
Stringent public health measures are in force, such as the wearing of protective face coverings and social distancing.
Commercial and business activities are operating but have strict public health measures in place, including sanitizing hands upon entry and taking a temperature check. All gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.

Authorities could reintroduce restrictive measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic if there is a significant increase in cases; such measures could be ambiguous and occasionally contradictory.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.