COVID-19 pandemic - Saudi Arabia
AsiaSaudi Arabiacountrywide
Category
Epidemic
Status
Closed
Update no.
90
Start (UTC)
2020-03-02 21:00
Start (Local time)
2020-03-03 00:00
Update (UTC)
2023-02-02 14:05
Update 2023-02-02: This event will be closed, as the situation in the country has not changed for a long time (e.g. restrictive measures, entry regulations, etc.). It will be reactivated and updated if the situation changes. The Country Dossiers and the Destination Manager provide an overview of the existing restrictions and entry regulations.
A3M
Update 2022-06-13: On Monday (13 June), it was announced that all measures to contain the pandemic have been lifted, and masks are now mandatory only in the Great Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Khaleej Times
Update 2022-03-05: According to media reports from Saturday (5 March), Saudi Arabia is lifting most of its COVID-19 restrictions. Among others things quarantines for vaccinated travellers will be lifted and they must no longer present a negative COVID-19 test.
AFP
Update 2022-02-18 - Official notice issued by the RKI: In its latest update from Friday (18 February), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) removed Saudi-Arabia from the list of international high-risk areas with effect from Sunday (20 February). Therefore, the travel warning by the Federal Foreign Office for Saudi-Arabia will be lifted.
RKI (German Robert Koch Institute)
Update 2022-02-08: According to authorities on Tuesday (8 February), a negative PCR or antigen test is required for entry into Saudi Arabia as of 9 February (max. 48h old). In addition, since 1 February, full vaccination protection is only valid with a booster vaccination if the second vaccination was administered more than 8 months ago, which is necessary, among other things, to enter the country and to gain access to in various areas of public life.
Auswärtiges Amt, Saudi Tourism Authority
Update 2022-01-21 - Official notice issued by the RKI: Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-risk area by German authorities as of Sunday (23 January).
RKI (German Robert Koch Institute)
Update 2021-11-27: As of Saturday (04 December), all travellers who have received at least one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 recognised by Saudi authorities may enter Saudi Arabia. At the same time, a three-day mandatory quarantine applies to this group of travellers.
Reuters
Update 2021-11-25: According to media reports from Thursday (25 November), as of 01 December travellers from Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt and India will again be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. However, travellers from these countries will still be required to undergo five days of institutional quarantine irrespective of vaccination status.
Reuters
Update 2021-10-21: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-19: On Sunday (17 October), restrictions on gatherings, public places, public transport, restaurants and cinemas were lifted. A mask requirement in enclosed spaces still applies.
FCDO
Update 2021-09-22: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Wednesday (22 September), travellers from Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Vietnam are still banned from entering the country. Additionally, travellers must undergo a five-day quarantine, fully vaccinated persons are exempt. Further COVID-19 PCR tests are carried out on the first and fifth day after entry. Only fully vaccinated travellers are permitted to fly domestically.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-09-07: From Wednesday (08 September), the ban on travel to and from the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and South Africa has been lifted.
Reuters
Update 2021-08-09: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Monday (09. August), full vaccination must be proven via the "Tawakkalna" app.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-08-03: As previously reported, vaccinated travellers have been allowed to enter Saudi Arabia again for tourist reasons since Sunday (01 August). Registration must be done via the Muqeem.sa portal.
FCDO
Update 2021-07-30: Media reports on Friday morning (30 July, local time) indicate that Saudi Arabia will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from Sunday (01 August). The prerequisite is proof of a complete vaccination with a vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson and the presentation of a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours). Quarantine in a state facility is no longer necessary then.
AFP
Update 2021-07-19: According to media reports from Monday (19 July), only fully vaccinated Saudi nationals will be permitted to leave the country from 09 August.
Reuters
Update 2021-07-09: The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) updated its list of global risk areas on Friday (09 July). From Sunday (11 July), the entire country is no longer considered a risk area.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-07-03: Travel between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Vietnam will be restricted from Sunday (04 July). There are entry bans for all travellers who have been in the affected countries within the last 14 days.
Reuters
Update 2021-07-01: On Thursday (01 July), the general travel warning for regular risk areas with a seven-day incidence above 50 but below 200 was lifted by the Federal Foreign Office. This applies to Saudi Arabia.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, non-essential tourist travel to Saudi Arabia is still advised against.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-06-12: According to media reports from Saturday (12 June), it has been announced that foreign people will not be allowed to participate in this year's Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. According to the reports, only 60,000 nationals and residents of Saudi Arabia will be allowed to participate.
AFP
Update 2021-05-31: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Monday (31 May), both vaccinated travellers and travellers who have already recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from quarantine in Saudi Arabia. However, they must complete a registration form online before departure. There is a general ban on entry from the following countries: Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina and Turkey.
Auswärtiges Amt, FCDO
Update 2021-05-30: On Saturday (29 May), Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the United States were removed from the Saudi authorities' general entry ban list.
Al Bawaba
Update 2021-05-18: According to media reports, from 01 August a COVID-19 vaccination will be required to use public transport services or enter any government, private or educational building as well as take part in events or sporting activities.
Reuters
Update 2021-05-12: According to FCDO information from Wednesday (12 May), all travellers will be required to undergo seven days of institutional quarantine from 20 May. See here for a list of exemptions.
FCDO
Update 2021-05-07: On Friday (07 May), Saudi Arabia's authorities announced that only vaccinated people would be allowed to go to their place of work. Unvaccinated workers must continue to work from home.
AFP
Update 2021-05-02: As announced on Sunday (02 May), Saudi Arabia will reopen its land, sea and air borders on 17 May. In addition, Saudi citizens who are fully vaccinated, already recovered from COVID-19 or under 18 years of age will be allowed to travel abroad again.
Reuters
Update 2021-04-21: On Wednesday (21 April), it was reported that the resumption of normal international air traffic on 17 May would no include the twenty countries that are currently under a travel ban. The countries in question are: Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Indonesia, India, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, and Egypt.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-04-07: According to media reports, Saudi Arabia will again allow people who have already been vaccinated or immunised to make the annual so-called "small pilgrimage" (Umrah) as of Monday (12 April). Apparently, however, this only applies to local Saudi Muslims for the time being.
AFP, Al-Jazeera
Update 2021-03-11: According to media reports from Thursday (11 March), normal international air traffic is planned to resume on 17 May.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-03-06: According to media reports on Saturday (06 March), COVID-19 containment measures in Saudi Arabia will be relaxed from Sunday (07 March). Restaurants, cinemas, gyms, shopping malls and other recreational facilities will be allowed to reopen from Sunday (07 March). Assemblies with more than 20 participants are still prohibited.
Gulfnews
Update 2021-02-14: According to media reports Sunday (14 February), COVID-19 containment measures in Saudi Arabia have been extended until 06 March. Recreational facilities must remain closed during this period. Restaurants and cafes are open, but are only allowed to offer take-away service.
Anadolu Agency
Update 2021-02-04 (2): The Federal Foreign Office reported on Thursday (04 February) that gatherings of more than 20 people are banned.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-02-04 (1): On Thursday (04 February), Saudi Arabia announced the closure of entertainment venues and restaurants for at least ten days. Events and celebrations will be suspended for at least 30 days. The regulation comes into effect on Thursday (04 February) at 10:00 p.m. (local time).
AFP
Update 2021-02-03: The Federal Foreign Office reported on Wednesday (03 February) that only Saudi nationals, health personnel and diplomats are exempt from the entry ban, and that they have to undergo an enhanced 14-day quarantine after entering the country. It can therefore be assumed that people with residence permits or visa holders are subject to the entry ban.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-02-02: As of Wednesday (03 February) Saudi Arabia will ban entry for travellers from 20 countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Japan.
Arab News
Update 2021-01-29: Contrary to what was last reported at the beginning of January, Saudi Arabia will not resume international air traffic on 31 March, but only on 17 May. The ports will also remain closed until this date. The delay in vaccine deliveries was cited as a factor.
Reuters
Update 2021-01-08: It is expected that international air traffic in Saudi Arabia will be fully resumed from 31 March. The restrictions at the land and sea borders are also to be lifted then. Residents of the country should then be able to leave and re-enter the country without restrictions.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-01-03 (3): British authorities said on Sunday (03 January), that travellers from countries where the new mutation of the coronavirus has been detected must enter self-isolation for at least seven days after entry and can only end it if they produce a negative PCR test on the sixth day after entry. Travellers from other countries must also go into self-isolation for up to seven days, but can end it early if they test negative on the third day after entry.
FCDO
Update 2021-01-03 (2): According to further reports, people who have been in countries where the new mutation of the coronavirus has been confirmed must stay in another country for at least 14 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Residents of Saudi Arabia are allowed to enter directly, but must quarantine themselves for at least 14 days and undergo several tests.
AFP
Update 2021-01-03 (1): On Sunday (03 January), the borders of Saudi Arabia are to be reopened after they were closed on 21 December. However, people who have been in countries where new mutations of the coronavirus have been confirmed (e.g. the United Kingdom and South Africa) within 14 days prior to their entry are still subject to restrictions.
Reuters
Update 2020-12-28 (2): The Federal Foreign Office supplemented its information on Monday (28 December) and pointed out that it was possible to leave the country with the airline SAUDIA despite the currently suspended connections.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-12-28 (1): According to media reports on Monday (28 December), commercial passenger air traffic to Saudi Arabia will be suspended for another week until 03 January. Additional, all sea and land borders will be closed to passenger traffic until 03 January. Already mentioned exemptions to leave the country remain in place for foreign travellers.
AFP
Update 2020-12-27: On Sunday (27 December), it was announced that foreigners can leave the country again after all international flights were cancelled last Sunday (20 December).
Reuters
Update 2020-12-21 (2): British authorities reported on Monday (21 December), that people who entered Saudi Arabia after 08 December from a European country or any other country where the new COVID-19 mutation has been confirmed must self-isolate until at least two weeks have passed since entry. They must also have a COVID-19 test carried out and repeat it every five days until the fourteenth day after entry. People who entered the country from a European country or a country where the mutation has been detected within three months before 20 December must have a COVID-19 test.
FCDO
Update 2020-12-21 (1): Due to the recently revealed virus mutation in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights for at least one week on Sunday (20 December). Entry by land and through the country's sea ports has also been suspended.
AFP, The Straits Times
Update 2020-12-02: According to information provided by German authorities on Wednesday (02 December), the negative PCR test to be presented on entry into Saudi Arabia must not be older than 72 hours. If a further negative PCR test is carried out after 48 hours of the seven-day quarantine, the quarantine can be terminated on the third day.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-10-25: The flag carrier Saudia will resume dozens of flight connections in November.
Al Bawaba
Update 2020-10-18: According to information from the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the complete lifting of all entry and exit restrictions and the resumption of all means of transport (land, air and sea) will take place on 01 January 2021. This step will be announced 30 days ahead of the actual opening.
US Embassy (KSA)
Update 2020-09-27: The Saudi Arabian government plans to resume issuing tourist visa early in 2021.
Reuters
Update 2020-09-24: After the lifting of the entry ban for various categories of persons on 15 September, holders of a valid 'Iqama' and exit-re-entry visa, as well as holders of a valid work visa or visit visa may enter Saudi Arabia. Entry must be by air. A negative COVID-19 test (not older than 48 hours) must be presented, the subsequent 7-day domestic quarantine can be ended prematurely after 48 hours by another negative test result. Travellers must inform the Saudi Arabian authorities of their whereabouts and download the apps 'Tetamman' and 'Tawakkalna'. The ban on assembly for groups of more than 50 people still applies, as do hygiene rules in public places (compulsory masks, social distancing).
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-09-23: According to recent media reports from Wednesday (23 September), Saudi Arabia has suspended all flight connections with India, Brazil, and Argentina. The reason for this is the critical epidemiological situation in these countries. Connections with Pakistan, on the other hand, will be resumed.
NDTV, Pakistan Today
Update 2020-09-22: According to various media reports, the traditional Islamic Umrah ('small pilgrimage') for domestic pilgrims will be possible again from 04 October, but only in capacities of 30 percent. Foreign pilgrims will be allowed to enter the country again from 01 November.
AFP, Gulf News
Update 2020-09-14: In addition to easing entry restrictions for multiple groups, the Saudi government announced that the general travel restrictions for Saudi citizens would remain in force until at least 01 January 2021.
AFP
Update 2020-09-13: According to media reports, the entry requirements will be partially relaxed as of Tuesday (15 September). From that day on, public and military sector employees, diplomats and their families, people working abroad in the public or non-profit private sector, business people, people studying abroad and sports teams will be allowed to re-enter Saudi Arabia. A negative COVID-19 test must be presented upon entry.
Reuters
Update 2020-09-03: Rumors of an early resumption of international air traffic to Saudi Arabia were put to an end on Thursday (03 September) by the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines: According to recent reports, all international flights (except for repatriation flights) will remain suspended until further notice.
Zawya
Update 2020-08-30: According to recent media reports from Sunday (30 August), Saudi Arabia has extended its flight ban for foreign flights until 29 September. Until this date, foreign passenger planes are not allowed to take off or land in the country, and flying over Saudi Arabia has also been banned in a NOTAM.
SAMAA
Update 2020-08-06: According to media reports on Wednesday (05 August) the Saudi Arabian land borders with Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will be reopened for freight and passenger traffic. It is not clear from the reports what the conditions of entry are.
Arab News
Update 2020-07-28: In the course of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi authorities imposed a quarantine and testing obligation for pilgrims according to media reports on Tuesday (28 July).
AFP
Update 2020-07-23: According to media reports on Thursday (23 July), Saudi citizens are allowed to re-enter Saudi Arabia over the land borders to Bahrain and Kuwait. Depending on the country in which the traveller has previously stayed, different conditions apply. Persons who have previously been in China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or Spain must go to hospital after entry until a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained. Travelers from many other countries may need to go directly into self-isolation. Persons travelling to Saudi Arabia via Bahrain airport must remain in self-isolation in Bahrain for ten days before continuing on to Saudi Arabia.
Gulf News
Update 2020-06-23: On Monday (22 June), Saudi authorities announced that entry for the Hajj would not be possible this year. Only people who are already in the country will be able to participate in the pilgrimage.
AFP
Update 2020-06-20: According to media reports from Saturday (20 June), from Sunday (21 June) 06:00 a. m. (local time) the nationwide curfew and restrictions for companies will be lifted. However, according to the reports, the restrictions on religious pilgrimages, international travel and social gatherings of more than 50 people will remain unchanged.
Reuters
Update 2020-06-14: According to media reports, domestic flights will be gradually resumed from Monday (15 June). The civil aviation authority announced that the airports of Bisha, Taif, Yanbu, Hafr Al-Batin and Sharourah can be approached again.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2020-06-08: According to US authorities on Monday (08 June), the curfew in the city of Jeddah is to remain in force until at least 20 June.
OSAC
Update 2020-06-05: In the city of Jeddah, additional restriction measures will apply from Saturday (06 June). Between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. (local time), there will be a curfew, meetings of more than five people will be prohibited and resturants and shops will be closed. Public air and train services can still be used outside the curfew.
Arab News
Update 2020-05-28: As reported by US authorities on Thursday (28 May), a night curfew will be in force in Saudi Arabia from Sunday (31 May) until June 20, between 08:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time. In the city of Mecca, the previous restrictions on freedom of movement will remain in place. Restrictions on travel between regions of the country will also be lifted.
OSAC
Update 2020-05-27: Domestic flights will resume in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (31 May), in connection to the lifting of the ban on domestic travel.
Arab News
Update 2020-05-26: Bans on domestic travel, workplace attendance, and prayers in mosques will be suspended in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (31 May). The curfew times will be revised in the upcoming days and the curfew will be lifted on 21 June. The city of Mecca is excluded from these changes. A curfew will remain in effect in the city between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time and prayers in mosques will be allowed again on 21 June.
Reuters
Update 2020-05-25: According to media reports from Monday (25 May), one-hour walks are allowed in Saudi Arabia during the all-day curfew until Wednesday (27 May) if they are requested in advance via a mobile phone app. However, visitors are not allowed to leave their own neighbourhood.
Gulf News
Update 2020-05-12: According to media reports from Tuesday (12 May), a 24-hour curfew will be in force in Saudi Arabia from 23 May to 27 May. On these days the festival of Eid al-Fitr takes place. Until 23 May the restrictions in the country are not to be changed. Currently, a curfew is in force between 05:00 p.m. and 09:00 a.m. (local time) and only in the city of Mecca stricter regulations are in force. Some areas of the country where increased COVID-19 case numbers have been detected will remain under quarantine.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-29: As of Thursday (30 April), Saudi authorities will again allow travel to and from the province of Qatif, according to media reports on Wednesday (29 April) citing sources within the authorities.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-26 (2): According to media reports from Sunday (26 April), all international and domestic flights in Saudi Arabia will be suspended until further notice. In addition, train, bus and taxi services will also remain suspended.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-26 (1): From Sunday (26 April) until at least 13 May, shops may reopen between 09:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. (local time) in all regions of the country, Saudi authorities announced. Only some places with particularly high outbreak rates, including the city of Mecca, are exempt from the relaxation.
AFP
Update 2020-04-20: According to reports from German authorities on Monday (20 April), a full day curfew is now in force in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar, Qatif, Mecca, Medina, Taif, Tabuk and Hofuf. For the rest of the country there is a night-time curfew between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. (local time).
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-04-18: The Saudi Arabian Ministry of the Interior announced on Friday (17 April) a 24-hour complete curfew for the villages of Al Dayer and Samtah in the province of Jizan. Entry and exit is also prohibited there. The only exceptions are essential workers and employees.
Khaleej Times
Update 2020-04-12: The curfews were extended until further notice, according to reports from Sunday (12 April).
Arab News, dpa
Update 2020-04-06: According to media reports, Saudi Arabia extended on Monday (April 6) the duration of daily curfews in four provinces and five cities, including the capital, to 24 hours to combat the coronavirus. The cities affected are Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran and Hofuf, as well as the provinces of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar.
AFP
Update 2020-04-03: On Friday (03 April), the curfew was extended to the villages of Dammam, Taif and Qatif. The curfew is to take effect there from 03:00 p.m. (local time).
Arab News
Update 2020-04-02: For the cities of Medina and Mecca, Saudi authorities announced on Thursday (02 April) an absolute curfew with immediate effect. Previously a 15-hour daily curfew had been in force in both cities. The two cities mentioned and Riyadh and Jeddah have been sealed off from the rest of the country.
AFP
Update 2020-03-29: According to reports from Sunday (29 March), Saudi authorities announced that the current suspensions of international and domestic flights, bus, taxi and train services between cities, and the closure of government offices and most private sector offices and companies have been extended until further notice. It was also announced that the curfew in the city of Jeddah will begin on Sunday (29 March) at 03:00 p.m. (local time).
OSAC
Update 2020-03-23: A night-time curfew was announced in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (22 March). The curfew is in effect between 07:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time. Around 275 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saudi Arabia so far.
dpa
Update 2020-03-20: As of Saturday (21 March), domestic travel including all flights, buses, taxis, and trains will be suspended for two weeks, the Saudi Ministry of the Interior announced on Friday (20 March). The measures are intended to contain a further spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in Saudi Arabia, where 274 cases have been registered so far.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-14: Saudi-Arabia will suspend all international flights for two weeks starting Sunday (15 March), as tweeted by the Saudi foreign ministry on Saturday (14 March).
AFP
Update 2020-03-12: On Thursday (12 March), the government of Saudi Arabia significantly extended its entry ban. According to the state news agency SPA, flights to the EU, Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan and Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia will be suspended in addition to the existing regulations. Travellers from these countries are no longer allowed to enter the country. In addition, the land border with Jordan has been closed for passenger traffic. To date, at least 45 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Saudi Arabia.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-09 (2): In the course of Monday (09 March), Saudi Arabia extended its travel restrictions to Oman, France, Germany, Turkey and Spain. Persons who have stayed in one of these countries or in one of the countries mentioned earlier (United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy or Iraq) during the fourteen days prior to their visit to the country are not allowed to enter the country. In addition, air and sea transport routes between Saudi Arabia and these countries are closed.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-09 (1): The civil aviation authority of Saudi Arabia announced on Monday (09 March) that travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy and Iraq are no longer allowed to enter the country. At the same time, citizens of Saudi Arabia are no longer allowed to travel to these countries; air and sea links have been closed.
Khaleej Times
Update 2020-03-08: According to media reports from Sunday (08 March), Qatif will be quarantined until further notice after eleven people became infected with the coronavirus. All infected persons in the country have had contact with people from Iran or have been in Iran themselves.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-07: Starting Saturday (07 March), Saudi Arabia will restrict its land borders with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to commercial trucks only. Entry from these countries is only possible via three airports (King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam).
Reuters
Update 2020-03-04: According to a Saudi government announcement on Wednesday (04 March), the Umrah pilgrimage, which normally takes place all year round, will be prohibited for Saudi citizens and people with residence permits until further notice. Last week, visa issuance for tourists and pilgrims from the Gulf States was already suspended.
AFP
2020-03-03: On Tuesday (03 March), the government of Saudi Arabia announced that travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar may only enter the country if they have spent at least 14 days in their home country after a stay abroad. Last week Saudi Arabia had already announced that pilgrims and tourists from dozens of countries would be denied entry. With these measures, the country's government is trying to counteract an international outbreak of a novel corona virus. So far, Saudi Arabia has detected an infection in a citizen who had returned from Iran.
Haaretz
Pandemic information:
- Robert Koch Institut (RKI)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- COVID-19 Dashboard (Johns Hopkins University)
- COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA)
Related A3M incidents:
- Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - worldwide
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Human-to-human transmission of the viral disease primarily occurs through droplets and aerosols, but COVID-19 may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. The course of the disease can vary greatly; symptoms commonly include rhinorrhea, sore throat, coughing, fever, headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of smell, taste or appetite. COVID-19 may also cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia as well as cardiovascular and organ dysfunction. Infections may also progress entirely asymptomatic, leaving people unaware they have contracted the virus. The incubation period ranges from 1-14 days, with an average period of 5-6 days.
Advice: Authorities recommend to wear protective face masks, to avoid contact with infected people and to generally adhere to social distancing and hygiene measures in place (e.g. thorough and frequent hand-washing, avoid face-touching).
Please note the following information regarding our handling of entry requirements as a result of the coronavirus: COVID-19 disclaimer
A3M
Update 2022-06-13: On Monday (13 June), it was announced that all measures to contain the pandemic have been lifted, and masks are now mandatory only in the Great Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Khaleej Times
Update 2022-03-05: According to media reports from Saturday (5 March), Saudi Arabia is lifting most of its COVID-19 restrictions. Among others things quarantines for vaccinated travellers will be lifted and they must no longer present a negative COVID-19 test.
AFP
Update 2022-02-18 - Official notice issued by the RKI: In its latest update from Friday (18 February), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) removed Saudi-Arabia from the list of international high-risk areas with effect from Sunday (20 February). Therefore, the travel warning by the Federal Foreign Office for Saudi-Arabia will be lifted.
RKI (German Robert Koch Institute)
Update 2022-02-08: According to authorities on Tuesday (8 February), a negative PCR or antigen test is required for entry into Saudi Arabia as of 9 February (max. 48h old). In addition, since 1 February, full vaccination protection is only valid with a booster vaccination if the second vaccination was administered more than 8 months ago, which is necessary, among other things, to enter the country and to gain access to in various areas of public life.
Auswärtiges Amt, Saudi Tourism Authority
Update 2022-01-21 - Official notice issued by the RKI: Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-risk area by German authorities as of Sunday (23 January).
RKI (German Robert Koch Institute)
Update 2021-11-27: As of Saturday (04 December), all travellers who have received at least one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 recognised by Saudi authorities may enter Saudi Arabia. At the same time, a three-day mandatory quarantine applies to this group of travellers.
Reuters
Update 2021-11-25: According to media reports from Thursday (25 November), as of 01 December travellers from Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt and India will again be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. However, travellers from these countries will still be required to undergo five days of institutional quarantine irrespective of vaccination status.
Reuters
Update 2021-10-21: The overall rating was reassessed and updated due to adjusted standards, which take greater account of the local healthcare infrastructure.
A3M
Update 2021-10-19: On Sunday (17 October), restrictions on gatherings, public places, public transport, restaurants and cinemas were lifted. A mask requirement in enclosed spaces still applies.
FCDO
Update 2021-09-22: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Wednesday (22 September), travellers from Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Vietnam are still banned from entering the country. Additionally, travellers must undergo a five-day quarantine, fully vaccinated persons are exempt. Further COVID-19 PCR tests are carried out on the first and fifth day after entry. Only fully vaccinated travellers are permitted to fly domestically.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-09-07: From Wednesday (08 September), the ban on travel to and from the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and South Africa has been lifted.
Reuters
Update 2021-08-09: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Monday (09. August), full vaccination must be proven via the "Tawakkalna" app.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-08-03: As previously reported, vaccinated travellers have been allowed to enter Saudi Arabia again for tourist reasons since Sunday (01 August). Registration must be done via the Muqeem.sa portal.
FCDO
Update 2021-07-30: Media reports on Friday morning (30 July, local time) indicate that Saudi Arabia will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from Sunday (01 August). The prerequisite is proof of a complete vaccination with a vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson and the presentation of a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours). Quarantine in a state facility is no longer necessary then.
AFP
Update 2021-07-19: According to media reports from Monday (19 July), only fully vaccinated Saudi nationals will be permitted to leave the country from 09 August.
Reuters
Update 2021-07-09: The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) updated its list of global risk areas on Friday (09 July). From Sunday (11 July), the entire country is no longer considered a risk area.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-07-03: Travel between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Vietnam will be restricted from Sunday (04 July). There are entry bans for all travellers who have been in the affected countries within the last 14 days.
Reuters
Update 2021-07-01: On Thursday (01 July), the general travel warning for regular risk areas with a seven-day incidence above 50 but below 200 was lifted by the Federal Foreign Office. This applies to Saudi Arabia.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, non-essential tourist travel to Saudi Arabia is still advised against.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-06-12: According to media reports from Saturday (12 June), it has been announced that foreign people will not be allowed to participate in this year's Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. According to the reports, only 60,000 nationals and residents of Saudi Arabia will be allowed to participate.
AFP
Update 2021-05-31: According to information from the Federal Foreign Office on Monday (31 May), both vaccinated travellers and travellers who have already recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from quarantine in Saudi Arabia. However, they must complete a registration form online before departure. There is a general ban on entry from the following countries: Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina and Turkey.
Auswärtiges Amt, FCDO
Update 2021-05-30: On Saturday (29 May), Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the United States were removed from the Saudi authorities' general entry ban list.
Al Bawaba
Update 2021-05-18: According to media reports, from 01 August a COVID-19 vaccination will be required to use public transport services or enter any government, private or educational building as well as take part in events or sporting activities.
Reuters
Update 2021-05-12: According to FCDO information from Wednesday (12 May), all travellers will be required to undergo seven days of institutional quarantine from 20 May. See here for a list of exemptions.
FCDO
Update 2021-05-07: On Friday (07 May), Saudi Arabia's authorities announced that only vaccinated people would be allowed to go to their place of work. Unvaccinated workers must continue to work from home.
AFP
Update 2021-05-02: As announced on Sunday (02 May), Saudi Arabia will reopen its land, sea and air borders on 17 May. In addition, Saudi citizens who are fully vaccinated, already recovered from COVID-19 or under 18 years of age will be allowed to travel abroad again.
Reuters
Update 2021-04-21: On Wednesday (21 April), it was reported that the resumption of normal international air traffic on 17 May would no include the twenty countries that are currently under a travel ban. The countries in question are: Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Indonesia, India, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, and Egypt.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-04-07: According to media reports, Saudi Arabia will again allow people who have already been vaccinated or immunised to make the annual so-called "small pilgrimage" (Umrah) as of Monday (12 April). Apparently, however, this only applies to local Saudi Muslims for the time being.
AFP, Al-Jazeera
Update 2021-03-11: According to media reports from Thursday (11 March), normal international air traffic is planned to resume on 17 May.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-03-06: According to media reports on Saturday (06 March), COVID-19 containment measures in Saudi Arabia will be relaxed from Sunday (07 March). Restaurants, cinemas, gyms, shopping malls and other recreational facilities will be allowed to reopen from Sunday (07 March). Assemblies with more than 20 participants are still prohibited.
Gulfnews
Update 2021-02-14: According to media reports Sunday (14 February), COVID-19 containment measures in Saudi Arabia have been extended until 06 March. Recreational facilities must remain closed during this period. Restaurants and cafes are open, but are only allowed to offer take-away service.
Anadolu Agency
Update 2021-02-04 (2): The Federal Foreign Office reported on Thursday (04 February) that gatherings of more than 20 people are banned.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-02-04 (1): On Thursday (04 February), Saudi Arabia announced the closure of entertainment venues and restaurants for at least ten days. Events and celebrations will be suspended for at least 30 days. The regulation comes into effect on Thursday (04 February) at 10:00 p.m. (local time).
AFP
Update 2021-02-03: The Federal Foreign Office reported on Wednesday (03 February) that only Saudi nationals, health personnel and diplomats are exempt from the entry ban, and that they have to undergo an enhanced 14-day quarantine after entering the country. It can therefore be assumed that people with residence permits or visa holders are subject to the entry ban.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2021-02-02: As of Wednesday (03 February) Saudi Arabia will ban entry for travellers from 20 countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Japan.
Arab News
Update 2021-01-29: Contrary to what was last reported at the beginning of January, Saudi Arabia will not resume international air traffic on 31 March, but only on 17 May. The ports will also remain closed until this date. The delay in vaccine deliveries was cited as a factor.
Reuters
Update 2021-01-08: It is expected that international air traffic in Saudi Arabia will be fully resumed from 31 March. The restrictions at the land and sea borders are also to be lifted then. Residents of the country should then be able to leave and re-enter the country without restrictions.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2021-01-03 (3): British authorities said on Sunday (03 January), that travellers from countries where the new mutation of the coronavirus has been detected must enter self-isolation for at least seven days after entry and can only end it if they produce a negative PCR test on the sixth day after entry. Travellers from other countries must also go into self-isolation for up to seven days, but can end it early if they test negative on the third day after entry.
FCDO
Update 2021-01-03 (2): According to further reports, people who have been in countries where the new mutation of the coronavirus has been confirmed must stay in another country for at least 14 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Residents of Saudi Arabia are allowed to enter directly, but must quarantine themselves for at least 14 days and undergo several tests.
AFP
Update 2021-01-03 (1): On Sunday (03 January), the borders of Saudi Arabia are to be reopened after they were closed on 21 December. However, people who have been in countries where new mutations of the coronavirus have been confirmed (e.g. the United Kingdom and South Africa) within 14 days prior to their entry are still subject to restrictions.
Reuters
Update 2020-12-28 (2): The Federal Foreign Office supplemented its information on Monday (28 December) and pointed out that it was possible to leave the country with the airline SAUDIA despite the currently suspended connections.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-12-28 (1): According to media reports on Monday (28 December), commercial passenger air traffic to Saudi Arabia will be suspended for another week until 03 January. Additional, all sea and land borders will be closed to passenger traffic until 03 January. Already mentioned exemptions to leave the country remain in place for foreign travellers.
AFP
Update 2020-12-27: On Sunday (27 December), it was announced that foreigners can leave the country again after all international flights were cancelled last Sunday (20 December).
Reuters
Update 2020-12-21 (2): British authorities reported on Monday (21 December), that people who entered Saudi Arabia after 08 December from a European country or any other country where the new COVID-19 mutation has been confirmed must self-isolate until at least two weeks have passed since entry. They must also have a COVID-19 test carried out and repeat it every five days until the fourteenth day after entry. People who entered the country from a European country or a country where the mutation has been detected within three months before 20 December must have a COVID-19 test.
FCDO
Update 2020-12-21 (1): Due to the recently revealed virus mutation in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights for at least one week on Sunday (20 December). Entry by land and through the country's sea ports has also been suspended.
AFP, The Straits Times
Update 2020-12-02: According to information provided by German authorities on Wednesday (02 December), the negative PCR test to be presented on entry into Saudi Arabia must not be older than 72 hours. If a further negative PCR test is carried out after 48 hours of the seven-day quarantine, the quarantine can be terminated on the third day.
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-10-25: The flag carrier Saudia will resume dozens of flight connections in November.
Al Bawaba
Update 2020-10-18: According to information from the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the complete lifting of all entry and exit restrictions and the resumption of all means of transport (land, air and sea) will take place on 01 January 2021. This step will be announced 30 days ahead of the actual opening.
US Embassy (KSA)
Update 2020-09-27: The Saudi Arabian government plans to resume issuing tourist visa early in 2021.
Reuters
Update 2020-09-24: After the lifting of the entry ban for various categories of persons on 15 September, holders of a valid 'Iqama' and exit-re-entry visa, as well as holders of a valid work visa or visit visa may enter Saudi Arabia. Entry must be by air. A negative COVID-19 test (not older than 48 hours) must be presented, the subsequent 7-day domestic quarantine can be ended prematurely after 48 hours by another negative test result. Travellers must inform the Saudi Arabian authorities of their whereabouts and download the apps 'Tetamman' and 'Tawakkalna'. The ban on assembly for groups of more than 50 people still applies, as do hygiene rules in public places (compulsory masks, social distancing).
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-09-23: According to recent media reports from Wednesday (23 September), Saudi Arabia has suspended all flight connections with India, Brazil, and Argentina. The reason for this is the critical epidemiological situation in these countries. Connections with Pakistan, on the other hand, will be resumed.
NDTV, Pakistan Today
Update 2020-09-22: According to various media reports, the traditional Islamic Umrah ('small pilgrimage') for domestic pilgrims will be possible again from 04 October, but only in capacities of 30 percent. Foreign pilgrims will be allowed to enter the country again from 01 November.
AFP, Gulf News
Update 2020-09-14: In addition to easing entry restrictions for multiple groups, the Saudi government announced that the general travel restrictions for Saudi citizens would remain in force until at least 01 January 2021.
AFP
Update 2020-09-13: According to media reports, the entry requirements will be partially relaxed as of Tuesday (15 September). From that day on, public and military sector employees, diplomats and their families, people working abroad in the public or non-profit private sector, business people, people studying abroad and sports teams will be allowed to re-enter Saudi Arabia. A negative COVID-19 test must be presented upon entry.
Reuters
Update 2020-09-03: Rumors of an early resumption of international air traffic to Saudi Arabia were put to an end on Thursday (03 September) by the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines: According to recent reports, all international flights (except for repatriation flights) will remain suspended until further notice.
Zawya
Update 2020-08-30: According to recent media reports from Sunday (30 August), Saudi Arabia has extended its flight ban for foreign flights until 29 September. Until this date, foreign passenger planes are not allowed to take off or land in the country, and flying over Saudi Arabia has also been banned in a NOTAM.
SAMAA
Update 2020-08-06: According to media reports on Wednesday (05 August) the Saudi Arabian land borders with Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will be reopened for freight and passenger traffic. It is not clear from the reports what the conditions of entry are.
Arab News
Update 2020-07-28: In the course of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi authorities imposed a quarantine and testing obligation for pilgrims according to media reports on Tuesday (28 July).
AFP
Update 2020-07-23: According to media reports on Thursday (23 July), Saudi citizens are allowed to re-enter Saudi Arabia over the land borders to Bahrain and Kuwait. Depending on the country in which the traveller has previously stayed, different conditions apply. Persons who have previously been in China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or Spain must go to hospital after entry until a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained. Travelers from many other countries may need to go directly into self-isolation. Persons travelling to Saudi Arabia via Bahrain airport must remain in self-isolation in Bahrain for ten days before continuing on to Saudi Arabia.
Gulf News
Update 2020-06-23: On Monday (22 June), Saudi authorities announced that entry for the Hajj would not be possible this year. Only people who are already in the country will be able to participate in the pilgrimage.
AFP
Update 2020-06-20: According to media reports from Saturday (20 June), from Sunday (21 June) 06:00 a. m. (local time) the nationwide curfew and restrictions for companies will be lifted. However, according to the reports, the restrictions on religious pilgrimages, international travel and social gatherings of more than 50 people will remain unchanged.
Reuters
Update 2020-06-14: According to media reports, domestic flights will be gradually resumed from Monday (15 June). The civil aviation authority announced that the airports of Bisha, Taif, Yanbu, Hafr Al-Batin and Sharourah can be approached again.
Saudi Gazette
Update 2020-06-08: According to US authorities on Monday (08 June), the curfew in the city of Jeddah is to remain in force until at least 20 June.
OSAC
Update 2020-06-05: In the city of Jeddah, additional restriction measures will apply from Saturday (06 June). Between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. (local time), there will be a curfew, meetings of more than five people will be prohibited and resturants and shops will be closed. Public air and train services can still be used outside the curfew.
Arab News
Update 2020-05-28: As reported by US authorities on Thursday (28 May), a night curfew will be in force in Saudi Arabia from Sunday (31 May) until June 20, between 08:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time. In the city of Mecca, the previous restrictions on freedom of movement will remain in place. Restrictions on travel between regions of the country will also be lifted.
OSAC
Update 2020-05-27: Domestic flights will resume in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (31 May), in connection to the lifting of the ban on domestic travel.
Arab News
Update 2020-05-26: Bans on domestic travel, workplace attendance, and prayers in mosques will be suspended in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (31 May). The curfew times will be revised in the upcoming days and the curfew will be lifted on 21 June. The city of Mecca is excluded from these changes. A curfew will remain in effect in the city between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time and prayers in mosques will be allowed again on 21 June.
Reuters
Update 2020-05-25: According to media reports from Monday (25 May), one-hour walks are allowed in Saudi Arabia during the all-day curfew until Wednesday (27 May) if they are requested in advance via a mobile phone app. However, visitors are not allowed to leave their own neighbourhood.
Gulf News
Update 2020-05-12: According to media reports from Tuesday (12 May), a 24-hour curfew will be in force in Saudi Arabia from 23 May to 27 May. On these days the festival of Eid al-Fitr takes place. Until 23 May the restrictions in the country are not to be changed. Currently, a curfew is in force between 05:00 p.m. and 09:00 a.m. (local time) and only in the city of Mecca stricter regulations are in force. Some areas of the country where increased COVID-19 case numbers have been detected will remain under quarantine.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-29: As of Thursday (30 April), Saudi authorities will again allow travel to and from the province of Qatif, according to media reports on Wednesday (29 April) citing sources within the authorities.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-26 (2): According to media reports from Sunday (26 April), all international and domestic flights in Saudi Arabia will be suspended until further notice. In addition, train, bus and taxi services will also remain suspended.
Reuters
Update 2020-04-26 (1): From Sunday (26 April) until at least 13 May, shops may reopen between 09:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. (local time) in all regions of the country, Saudi authorities announced. Only some places with particularly high outbreak rates, including the city of Mecca, are exempt from the relaxation.
AFP
Update 2020-04-20: According to reports from German authorities on Monday (20 April), a full day curfew is now in force in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar, Qatif, Mecca, Medina, Taif, Tabuk and Hofuf. For the rest of the country there is a night-time curfew between 03:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. (local time).
Auswärtiges Amt
Update 2020-04-18: The Saudi Arabian Ministry of the Interior announced on Friday (17 April) a 24-hour complete curfew for the villages of Al Dayer and Samtah in the province of Jizan. Entry and exit is also prohibited there. The only exceptions are essential workers and employees.
Khaleej Times
Update 2020-04-12: The curfews were extended until further notice, according to reports from Sunday (12 April).
Arab News, dpa
Update 2020-04-06: According to media reports, Saudi Arabia extended on Monday (April 6) the duration of daily curfews in four provinces and five cities, including the capital, to 24 hours to combat the coronavirus. The cities affected are Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran and Hofuf, as well as the provinces of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar.
AFP
Update 2020-04-03: On Friday (03 April), the curfew was extended to the villages of Dammam, Taif and Qatif. The curfew is to take effect there from 03:00 p.m. (local time).
Arab News
Update 2020-04-02: For the cities of Medina and Mecca, Saudi authorities announced on Thursday (02 April) an absolute curfew with immediate effect. Previously a 15-hour daily curfew had been in force in both cities. The two cities mentioned and Riyadh and Jeddah have been sealed off from the rest of the country.
AFP
Update 2020-03-29: According to reports from Sunday (29 March), Saudi authorities announced that the current suspensions of international and domestic flights, bus, taxi and train services between cities, and the closure of government offices and most private sector offices and companies have been extended until further notice. It was also announced that the curfew in the city of Jeddah will begin on Sunday (29 March) at 03:00 p.m. (local time).
OSAC
Update 2020-03-23: A night-time curfew was announced in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (22 March). The curfew is in effect between 07:00 p.m. and 06:00 a.m. local time. Around 275 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saudi Arabia so far.
dpa
Update 2020-03-20: As of Saturday (21 March), domestic travel including all flights, buses, taxis, and trains will be suspended for two weeks, the Saudi Ministry of the Interior announced on Friday (20 March). The measures are intended to contain a further spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in Saudi Arabia, where 274 cases have been registered so far.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-14: Saudi-Arabia will suspend all international flights for two weeks starting Sunday (15 March), as tweeted by the Saudi foreign ministry on Saturday (14 March).
AFP
Update 2020-03-12: On Thursday (12 March), the government of Saudi Arabia significantly extended its entry ban. According to the state news agency SPA, flights to the EU, Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan and Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia will be suspended in addition to the existing regulations. Travellers from these countries are no longer allowed to enter the country. In addition, the land border with Jordan has been closed for passenger traffic. To date, at least 45 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Saudi Arabia.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-09 (2): In the course of Monday (09 March), Saudi Arabia extended its travel restrictions to Oman, France, Germany, Turkey and Spain. Persons who have stayed in one of these countries or in one of the countries mentioned earlier (United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy or Iraq) during the fourteen days prior to their visit to the country are not allowed to enter the country. In addition, air and sea transport routes between Saudi Arabia and these countries are closed.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-09 (1): The civil aviation authority of Saudi Arabia announced on Monday (09 March) that travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy and Iraq are no longer allowed to enter the country. At the same time, citizens of Saudi Arabia are no longer allowed to travel to these countries; air and sea links have been closed.
Khaleej Times
Update 2020-03-08: According to media reports from Sunday (08 March), Qatif will be quarantined until further notice after eleven people became infected with the coronavirus. All infected persons in the country have had contact with people from Iran or have been in Iran themselves.
Reuters
Update 2020-03-07: Starting Saturday (07 March), Saudi Arabia will restrict its land borders with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to commercial trucks only. Entry from these countries is only possible via three airports (King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam).
Reuters
Update 2020-03-04: According to a Saudi government announcement on Wednesday (04 March), the Umrah pilgrimage, which normally takes place all year round, will be prohibited for Saudi citizens and people with residence permits until further notice. Last week, visa issuance for tourists and pilgrims from the Gulf States was already suspended.
AFP
2020-03-03: On Tuesday (03 March), the government of Saudi Arabia announced that travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar may only enter the country if they have spent at least 14 days in their home country after a stay abroad. Last week Saudi Arabia had already announced that pilgrims and tourists from dozens of countries would be denied entry. With these measures, the country's government is trying to counteract an international outbreak of a novel corona virus. So far, Saudi Arabia has detected an infection in a citizen who had returned from Iran.
Haaretz
Pandemic information:
- Robert Koch Institut (RKI)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- COVID-19 Dashboard (Johns Hopkins University)
- COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA)
Related A3M incidents:
- Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - worldwide
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Human-to-human transmission of the viral disease primarily occurs through droplets and aerosols, but COVID-19 may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. The course of the disease can vary greatly; symptoms commonly include rhinorrhea, sore throat, coughing, fever, headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of smell, taste or appetite. COVID-19 may also cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia as well as cardiovascular and organ dysfunction. Infections may also progress entirely asymptomatic, leaving people unaware they have contracted the virus. The incubation period ranges from 1-14 days, with an average period of 5-6 days.
Advice: Authorities recommend to wear protective face masks, to avoid contact with infected people and to generally adhere to social distancing and hygiene measures in place (e.g. thorough and frequent hand-washing, avoid face-touching).
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