Saudi Arabia: Authorities to lift travel restrictions, resume international flights, and reopen borders from March 31 /update 49

Event

Authorities in Saudi Arabia plan to fully open all of the kingdom's land, sea, and air borders beginning March 31, following closures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the new directive, authorities will also allow citizens and legal residents to travel outside of and return to the kingdom; the existing suspension of international commercial flights will also be lifted. All international travel and cross-border traffic will, however, be subject to restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In accordance with restrictions in force as of Jan. 8, only non-Saudis who hold valid exit and entry, work, or residency visas are currently permitted to enter Saudi Arabia; travelers with tourist visas are barred from entry. Authorities are requiring all non-Saudis, except for children aged eight and under, to present a negative COVID-19 test to travel to Saudi Arabia. The COVID-19 test must have been administered within no more than 72 hours prior to departing for the kingdom; travelers who do not provide the requisite negative test result will be barred from boarding their flight. Travelers are required to complete a health disclaimer form and download and register on the Tatamman and Tawakkalna applications prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia. All arrivals are subject to a maximum of seven days' home quarantine; however, the quarantine period may be reduced to three days upon the completion of an additional COVID-19 test.

Some special restrictions imposed due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant remain in place. Non-Saudis arriving from the UK, South Africa, India, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries where the new variant of the virus has been detected must remain outside of these countries for 14 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Saudi nationals are permitted to enter the kingdom from countries where the new variant has been found but must quarantine for 14 days and submit to two COVID-19 tests. The move follows a number of more targeted travel bans by several other countries in reaction to the new virus mutation, which was initially discovered in the southeast of England.

Domestically, commercial and business activities are operating, but strict public health measures are in place. Establishments that open must implement enhanced sanitization procedures, perform temperature checks of employees and patrons, and comply with social distancing guidelines. All gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.

Authorities could reintroduce restrictions if there is a significant increase in COVID-19 cases; associated protocols could be ambiguous and occasionally contradictory.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Saudi Ministry of Health
Saudi Ministry of Interior
Health Declaration Form
Tawakkalna App
Tataman App