COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Saudi Arabia (11 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter, as long as they were not present in Argentina, Brazil, or India in the past 14 days.

• Citizens are allowed to enter through land borders with Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE without getting prior approval.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Exceptions include:

• Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and UAE;

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens

• Holders of a valid visa (either exit/entry, or business, or residence {Iqamah}, or a visit visa). Any traveller with a tourist visa from a country that is significantly-affected by COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter the country.

• Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia will be denied entry if they travelled in Argentina, Brazil, or India in the previous 14 days.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Transiting through Saudi Arabia is not allowed at this time.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• Health screening may take place on arrival, however, a test is not mandatory.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued by verified laboratories outside of Saudi Arabia are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arriving travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the point of initial embarkation. Anyone without this certificate will be denied boarding. Saudi citizens and passengers below 8 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All inbound travellers must undergo a 2-day self-quarantine at their homes after their arrival, and then take a PCR test by the end of two days. If the PCR test is not conducted, the self-quarantine at home will continue for 7 days.

• Travellers upon arrival must monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and immediately call 937 if any symptoms appear or go to a primary healthcare centre if necessary.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All inbound passengers must complete and sign a Health Disclaimer Form and present it to the health control centre authorities upon arrival at the airport. The form is available here.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All inbound travellers must download and register on Tatamman and Tawakkalna Applications.

• All incoming travellers must enter their contact details, including their addresses, through the Tatamman app within 8 hours upon arrival.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• International flight operations have partially resumed.

• Domestic air travel is operating.

• Saudi Arabia has suspended all flights to and from India, Brazil and Argentina.

• Etihad Airways has resumed flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders are closed to most foreign nationals.

• Non-commercial traffic has resumed though the King Fahd causeway.

• Land borders with Yemen remain closed except for commercial transport.

• Visa on arrival services and issuance of e-visas has been suspended.

• The use of national identity cards for travel to and from Saudi Arabia has been temporarily suspended. Passports must be used.

• Saudi residents who are allowed to travel outside the country and return is restricted only to Saudi nationals residing abroad and their companions holding proof of residency outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, public employees tasked with official duties, members of Saudi diplomatic and consular missions, employees from regional and international organizations and their families and companions, employees of public or private entities or NGOs, businessmen, medical patients, students studying abroad, and participants of official regional or global sports events.

• Arar border crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia has reopened for the transportation of goods and people.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no curfews currently in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people.

• A 1.5-meter social distance must be maintained between individuals.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• All modes of public transport are operating at full capacity.

• Haramain high-speed train service between Mecca and Madinah via Jeddah is expected to resume by the end of 2020.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All commercial and economic activities and businesses have resumed. Wholesale and retail shops and shopping centres are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and private rentals are open and available for bookings.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Cafes are open.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Personal care services are open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Mosques are allowed to resume prayers subject to specific health and precautionary safety measures.

• Mecca’s Grand Mosque has reopened to residents and citizens for prayer.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are compulsory in all enclosed public spaces and in all public transport.

Other

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia resumed Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca on 4 October 2020.

• Individuals are advised to call 937 if any symptoms of COVID 19 appears or they can visit a primary healthcare centre or emergency if necessary.

• The authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have gradually allowed pilgrims to perform Umrah at restricted capacity. Pilgrims can apply to perform Umrah through the official Ministry of Hajj app.

• The approximate dates for the 2021 Hajj are 17 to 22 July.

Advies

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Follow all instructions issued by the local authorities. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.