Saudi Arabia: Authorities to allow only immunized worshippers access to holy sites from the first day of Ramadan, April 12 /update 55

Event

Authorities in Saudi Arabia will permit only immunized worshippers to visit the country's holy sites from the first day of Ramadan, which is slated to begin April 12. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that permits will be issued to individuals who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals who received the first dose of the vaccine at least 14 days prior, and individuals who have recovered from the disease. The new restrictions come amid a surge in local COVID-19 cases.

A number of restrictions on international travel remain in effect. Authorities have suspended entry to Saudi Arabia for travelers from 20 countries. The banned countries are Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UK, and the US. The entry ban also applies to travelers who transited through any of these countries in the 14 days prior to their arrival in the kingdom. Only diplomats, Saudi citizens, medical practitioners, and their families are exempt from the measure. Authorities did not specify how long the ban would remain in effect.

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.

A ban on international travel for Saudi citizens and the closure of the kingdom's land, sea, and air borders remains in effect until May 17.

Indoor dining in restaurants and cafes has resumed and cinemas, malls, and gyms have reopened. Establishments that remain open must implement enhanced COVID-19 sanitization procedures, perform temperature checks of employees and patrons, and comply with social distancing guidelines. Large gatherings such as weddings and corporate events remain banned; the maximum number allowed in a gathering is limited to 20 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 business appointments and 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. 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.

Resources

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