Saudi Arabia: Authorities to update COVID-19 entry procedures for all arrivals from May 20 /update 58

Event

Effective May 20, authorities will require foreign nationals arriving in the kingdom to quarantine for one week in government-approved accommodation in order to stem the spread of COVID-19. Saudi citizens and their immediate family, flight crews, and diplomats will be permitted to quarantine at their own residence. Those under quarantine will have to undergo a PCR test on their sixth day of isolation. Travelers who can provide proof they are vaccinated will not be required to quarantine.

Effective May 17, the government will permit international travel for Saudi nationals who meet any of the following criteria:

• Have received two full doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, or received one dose with at least 14 days having elapsed since the shot was administered

• Have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months

• Are under the age of 18 (travelers under the age of 18 must undergo a one-week quarantine period)

An entry ban on travelers arriving from 20 countries remains in place until further notice. The countries impacted are as follows: Argentina, the UAE, Germany, the US, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the UK, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, and Japan. The entry ban also applies to travelers who transited through any of these countries within 14 days prior to their arrival in the kingdom.

If travelers arrived from a country where the new variant of COVID-19 is spreading, they must fully adhere to self-quarantine for 14 days and complete two COVID-19 tests: one test within 48 hours of arrival and a second test on the 13th day of quarantine.

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. Until May 20, 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.

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