Saudi Arabia: Authorities suspend flights with several African countries as of Nov. 29 to combat spread of new COVID-19 variant /update 12

Event

Saudi Arabia has suspended all flights with Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Comoros as of Nov. 29. The measure is in response to the emergence of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant and will remain in place until further notice. Previously, the kingdom had suspended all flights with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini. The suspension also applies to transit flights; all travelers from these countries must spend at least 14 days in a third country before being allowed entry to Saudi Arabia.

International Entry Restrictions
Other COVID-19-related international travel restrictions remain in force. Effective Dec. 1, the Saudi government will allow direct entry from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Vietnam, and Brazil. Travelers from these countries will no longer need to undergo a 14-day quarantine period in a third country. Nevertheless, such individuals will still need to quarantine for five days regardless of their vaccination status. Travel from Turkey, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Lebanon remains suspended until further notice. Persons who qualify for an exemption to the ban are still subject to quarantine and testing rules. For more information regarding exemptions, click here.

Authorities require all non-Saudis, except for children under eight years of age, to present a negative result from a PCR test taken 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. 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 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 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.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have eased a series of COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals as of Nov. 29. Those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are now allowed to enter the Kingdom's two Holy Mosques (i.e., the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina). Individuals who are fully inoculated no longer have to comply with mask mandates in public spaces, and authorities have lifted social distancing regulations. Wedding halls, restaurants, movie theaters, and all modes of transport (e.g., domestic flights, among others) monitored by the Tawakkalna mobile tracing application are now permitted to operate at full capacity for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

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