Saudi Arabia: Authorities lift COVID-19-related travel ban on 11 countries, May 30 /update 60

Event

Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on travelers arriving from 11 countries, May 30; authorities initially imposed the ban to curb the spread of COVID-19. The ban covered travelers from the UK, the UAE, the US, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, France, and Japan. Arrivals from these countries will be subject to the existing quarantine measures currently in place within the kingdom.

Saudi Arabian authorities will not require non-Saudi nationals to undergo one week of quarantine if they have received two full doses of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccination or have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months.

Any foreign national who has not received a government-approved vaccination or recovered from COVID-19 must quarantine in government-approved accommodation for seven days. Those under quarantine will have to undergo a PCR test on their seventh day of isolation.

Since May 17, international travel is permitted for Saudi nationals who meet any of the following criteria:

• Have received two full doses of a government-approved 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 13 countries remains in place until further notice. The countries impacted are as follows: Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Belarus, and India. Saudi citizens wishing to travel to these countries require prior approval. The entry ban also applies to travelers who transited through any of these countries within 14 days before arriving 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 require 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 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