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Updated 16 June 2022
As part of Saudi Arabia’s rigorous safety campaign to further curb the virus spread and enhance the level of immunity amongst the public, booster shots have been made mandatory to maintain the “immune” status on the Tawakkalna app, which in turn enables citizens to access public transport and other amenities.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest measures and “immune” status update on the Tawakkalna, how to maintain it, and its benefits.
Mandatory booster shot for “immune” status
The Tawakkalna app, the official contact tracing app of the Kingdom, also acts as a health passport in Saudi Arabia that shows ‘immune’ status if the holder has been fully vaccinated.
Effective 1 February 2022, individuals who are more than 18 years old and have not received the booster shot after eight months of their second vaccine dose will no longer be considered ‘immune’ on Tawakkalna.
KSA citizens who wish to undertake international travel outside the Kingdom can now take a third booster dose after 8 months – instead of 3 months.
People who were previously exempt from being vaccinated will not be required to receive booster shots.
How to check “immune” status?
Saudi citizens can easily get the booster dose by registering for the vaccines through the Sehaty app or the Tawakkalna app, after which the “immune” status would be displayed on Tawakkalna.
To register via Sehaty:
- Find the Sehaty App link on Google Play or Apple Store.
- Download the Sehaty App
- Register your data
- Click on “Corona Vaccine” to submit your request to receive the vaccine
- Your eligibility to receive the booster vaccine is evaluated according to the information entered
Users will typically receive a text message within 48 hours of submitting the application detailing the date and location of the appointment.
To register for the booster dose via Tawakkalna:
- Select Services from the app’s Home page
- Choose “Health Services” and click on “COVID-19 Vaccine Service”
- Select a beneficiary to preview their information
- Select “Booking a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment”
- Choose a centre, date, and time suitable for you.
After administering the booster dose vaccine, the “immune” status will reflect on the Tawakkalna.
What is the “immune” status on Tawakkalna used for?
For travel
Saudi citizens who wish to undertake international travel outside the Kingdom can now take a third booster dose after 8 months – instead of the earlier stipulated three months. This does not apply to age groups specified or excluded by the kingdom’s health ministry. For instance, children under 16 years of age or groups are excluded from this requirement.
Entry to public spaces
Proof of immunization and health verification via the Tawakkalna app is no longer required to enter most facilities and events in Saudi Arabia except for those establishments whose nature demand otherwise.
The @MOISaudiArabia has lifted today additional #Covid_19 restriction measures due to the progress witnessed in the national vaccination program. pic.twitter.com/cQXBEDiZXn
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) June 13, 2022
Wearing a face mask in closed public spaces is not mandatory; however, it is still required for entry to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and places for which safety protocols have been issued by Weqaya. Face masks may also be required by some public events and health facilities that wish to uphold their safety measures.
Public transport use
Apart from undertaking international travel, vaccination with a booster dose and the “immune” vaccinated status on the Tawakkalna app is no longer required to access public transportation or to board planes except for those establishments whose nature demand otherwise.