Saudi Arabia: Authorities enforcing modified COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Feb. 11 /update 17

Event

Saudi authorities are enforcing modified COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Feb. 11. Officials now require that all arriving travelers, regardless of vaccination status, present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for the country. Those under the age of eight are exempt from the pre-travel testing requirement.

Additionally, all incoming travelers must have proof of having received a full course of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine; travelers who had received the final dose of their primary series of an accepted vaccine more than eight months before travel to the country must also present proof of having received a booster dose.

Saudi citizens who test positive for COVID-19 can enter the Kingdom without a negative PCR test result, provided seven days have passed since they tested positive. Alternatively, citizens who are not considered fully vaccinated by Saudi authorities and test positive for COVID-19 may enter the country after 10 days from the date on which they tested positive.

Saudi citizens departing the country must have received a booster shot of an approved COVID-19 vaccine if three months or more have elapsed since receipt of a final dose of their primary series. This measure does not apply to people under the age of 16 or those considered exempt on the Tawakkalna mobile application.

Domestic Measures
Authorities require individuals in the country to wear a facemask and maintain social distancing in all enclosed public spaces. Individuals must use the Tawakkalna mobile application to enter public buildings and retail stores. Proof of inoculation with an approved vaccine is required to enter all private and governmental establishments, as well as to board public transport and domestic flights. Individuals ages 18 and older who had received the final dose of their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine more than eight months ago must have also received a booster shot to enter public places.

International Travel Restrictions
In addition to meeting the abovementioned requirements, 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. To access the form via the Muqeem website, click here.

Additionally, all arriving travelers must complete a health disclaimer form and submit it to authorities upon arrival. To view the form, click here.

Quarantine requirements for arriving travelers are described on the Tawakkalna mobile application; all incoming travelers must download and register their information on the Tawakkalna mobile application no more than eight hours after arriving in the country. In general, travelers vaccinated with an approved vaccine are not required to quarantine upon arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine must undergo at least three days of institutional quarantine; permitted travelers who are traveling from or who have recently visited certain high-risk countries are subject to a five-day institutional quarantine period.

Arriving travelers must have medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment costs; Saudi citizens and residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from this requirement.

For more information on Saudi Arabia’s COVID-19-related international travel restrictions, including travel suspensions and testing and quarantine requirements, click here.

Authorities may 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 Disclaimer Form
Tawakkalna Mobile Application
Tetamman Mobile Application