Saudi Arabia Scraps Most COVID-19 Restrictions and Flight Suspensions

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Saudi Arabia has announced the scrapping of several restrictions that were previously in place for inbound travellers. Most restrictions have been eased due to high rates of immunity and vaccination among the masses and a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases.

Saudi Arabia has also lifted the flight ban on several countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Comoros, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.

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International arrivals to the Kingdom are no longer required to present a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test result on arrival. All quarantine measures have been done away with; however, travellers arriving on visit visas must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19 related treatment costs during their stay.

The Ministry of Interior has additionally dropped most of its COVID-19 restrictions including an outdoor mask mandate as quoted by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Pilgrims from all over can now visit Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah due to the relaxation on several entry norms. The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that fully-vaccinated individuals aged 5 and above can enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Social distancing norms at all mosques have been lifted along with all other public spaces, activities, and events.

The Tawakkalna app is still required to access public and private facilities, airports, public transport vehicles and offices. Though not needed outdoors, masks should be worn inside holy mosques and other indoor establishments.