Saudi Arabia: Officials to restrict travel to and from Ethiopia, UAE, Vietnam and Afghanistan, from July 4 /update 1

Event

Officials have issued updated travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19; the measures will come into effect at 23:00 July 4. Saudi Arabia will restrict travel for Saudi nationals to Ethiopia, the UAE, and Vietnam. Persons wishing to travel to these areas will require permission. In addition, travel from Ethiopia, Vietnam, the UAE, and Afghanistan is suspended. Exceptions are in place for citizens of these countries that have been outside of these countries for the past 14 days. Flights to and from these countries are also suspended. Any person coming from the aforementioned countries will be placed in quarantine.

These new measures complement existing measures. An entry ban on travelers from Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey remains in place. The entry ban also applies to travelers who transited through any of these countries within 14 days before arriving in the kingdom. Saudi nationals, health workers, diplomats, and their families are exempt from the measures but may be required to complete a period of quarantine and PCR tests on arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia from all other countries will be subject to at least one week of quarantine. For a full list of exemptions, click here. Those considered fully vaccinated by authorities will not undergo quarantine but will be required to provide a health certificate as proof of vaccination.

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 require all non-Saudis, except for children aged eight and under, to present a negative PCR administered within no more than 72 hours before departing for the kingdom; travelers who do not provide the requisite negative test result will be barred from boarding their flight. Travelers must complete a health disclaimer form and download and register on the Tatamman and Tawakkalna applications before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Other restrictions, including mandates limiting public gatherings, the use of protective face coverings, and compliance with social distancing guidelines, remain in force. Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

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.

Resources

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