International travel has been restricted in Saudi Arabia due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that is set to change soon. In late 2020, the kingdom saw a drop in cases and also had plans to launch a vaccination campaign. The kingdom initially announced that the travel ban would be lifted on March 31, meaning Saudi citizens and residents would be able to travel outside of the kingdom. It is unclear when the kingdom will be open to foreigners. Saudi citizens were excited about the prospect of traveling again. However, after a recent update, the ban was extended and is now scheduled to be lifted on May 17. International flights will also be able to operate from the same date. This is due to a delay in the delivery of the vaccine and concerns over the spread of a new variant of the virus in several countries.
The lifting of the travel ban will include airports as well as land and sea borders, according to the Ministry of Interior. As of February 2, travel is temporarily suspended from the following countries: Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, and Japan. There is an exception for Saudi citizens, diplomats and medical practitioners and their families, who can enter the kingdom after making special arrangements.
Authorities are still enforcing some restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. People planning on entering Saudi Arabia must show a certificate of a negative PCR test taken not more than 3 days before their arrival in addition to filling out a health disclaimer form. Those who arrive in the kingdom are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. As the situation is changing frequently, it is strongly advised to check with a Saudi embassy or your airline before committing to travel plans. The Saudi airline Flynas offers helpful information such as authorized PCR test labs, rules and requirements based on where flights are traveling to, and what you can expect when you arrive for your flight. Passengers must wear face masks and complete a self-declaration to state that they do not have symptoms of Covid-19 and that they have not had any close contact with someone who has had Covid-19. You can stay up to date on further news by following Visit Saudi’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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