Saudi to lift travel restrictions after January 1

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will allow its citizens to exit and re-enter the country through all land, sea, and airports after January 1, 2021, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said yesterday. This is provided that all coronavirus-related precautionary measures are followed, it added.

“Completely lifting the restrictions on citizens leaving and returning to the Kingdom, and allowing the opening of ports for the crossing of all means of transport through land, sea and airports, after January 1, 2021, while adhering to the current coronavirus precautionary procedures,” the SPA reported. It added: “The specific date and time for lifting the suspension will be announced 30 days prior to January 1, 2021.

The Ministry of Health may, should it be required, request to put in place certain preventative health requirements for travelers and carriers during travel, and in the halls of airports, ports, and stations.” GCC citizens and non-Saudis will be allowed to enter the Kingdom with valid work, residency, or visit visas, given that they adhere to coronavirus-related precautionary measures.

Only those with a negative COVID-19 result will be allowed to enter the country—one that is not older than 48 hours and had been conducted at a certified body. Meanwhile, Saudi also announced that it will allow certain categories of citizens and residents to exit and re-enter through all land, sea, and airports starting from tomorrow. This is also provided that all coronavirus-related precautionary measures are followed, SPA said yesterday. The same COVID-19 testing requirements are to be followed.