Saudi Arabia: Authorities to amend COVID-19-related entry requirements effective Feb. 9 /update 16

Event

Authorities will require all arrivals to Saudi Arabia to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, effective Feb. 9. Those under the age of eight are exempt from the testing requirement. Until the new measures are in effect, a negative PCR test is required no more than 72 hours before departure for Saudi Arabia.

Authorities will also require Saudi citizens who wish to travel outside the Kingdom to take a booster shot of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine for all journeys. The measure does not apply to people under the age of 16 or those who appear under the exempt category on the Tawakkalna app.

Additionally, Saudi citizens who test positive for COVID-19 can enter the Kingdom without a negative PCR test, provided they spend seven days in a third country before travel and are inoculated with a government-approved vaccine. Citizens who test positive but are considered unvaccinated by authorities must spend 10 days in a third country before entering the Kingdom.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining mask-wearing and social distancing in all closed and open spaces in response to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. All retail establishments and public buildings throughout the country require individuals to use the Tawakkalna app to be admitted into the establishment. People in Saudi Arabia will have to show proof of vaccination by a Ministry of Health-approved vaccine to enter all government and private establishments, as well as to use public transportation and domestic air travel. Since Feb. 1 COVID-19 vaccination boosters are required for entering public places. The decision applies to those 18 and over who received their second vaccine dose at least eight months ago.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities in Saudi Arabia are allowing entry to travelers "from all countries" provided they have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Such travelers will still be required to quarantine for at least three days upon arrival in the country. The measure does not apply to travelers from countries on Saudi Arabia's travel ban list. For information regarding countries on the travel ban list and exemptions from it, click here.

All travelers, except for Saudi citizens and certain exempted individuals, must complete a Registration Immunization Information Form (i.e., arrival registration) before departing for Saudi Arabia; completing the form registers individuals' vaccination data, allowing them to use the Tawakkalna mobile application. Travelers with tourist visas are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia provided they are fully vaccinated and have completed their arrival registration via the Muqeem website. To access the form via the Muqeem website, click here. All incoming travelers, except for Saudi citizens and residents and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, must also have medical insurance covering COVID-19 treatment.

All foreign travelers entering Saudi Arabia must download and register their information on the Tawakkalna mobile application no more than eight hours after arrival and comply with the preventive measures described therein, including quarantine procedures, as required by the Health Disclaimer Form. To view the Health Disclaimer Form, click here.

All foreign travelers to Saudi Arabia must also complete a daily health assessment via the Tetamman mobile application. Travelers who present a certificate indicating that they had been fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure or whose health status is "immune" in the Tawakkalna mobile application are not required to take COVID-19 tests upon arrival or undergo a quarantine period. All other non-citizen travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia, including unvaccinated individuals, are subject to quarantine for at least five days and must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival and on the fifth day after arrival; these travelers are permitted to exit quarantine on the fifth day after arrival upon receipt of negative results from both tests.

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
Tetamman App