Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced new travel restrictions that will come into force on Wednesday, Feb. 9.

An official source at the Ministry of Interior stated that all Saudi citizens must take the booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine to travel outside the Kingdom effective from Feb. 9 (Rajab 8).

According to the Interior Ministry, all arrivals to the Kingdom, including citizens, must produce a negative PCR result obtained 48 hours before their departure, regardless of their immunization status.

The ministry said the new restrictions were introduced in line with constant follow-up to the epidemiological situation locally and globally, and as part of the measures being taken by the Kingdom to counter the spread of Covid 19 and preserve public health.

It said citizens wishing to travel outside the Kingdom must take the booster dose of the vaccine in case they have completed three months after receiving the second dose.

Children under 16 years of age or groups excluded as indicated in the Tawakkalna app have been exempted from the requirement.

All travelers arriving in the Kingdom, regardless of their immunization status, are required to submit an approved negative PCR test or negative antigen test issued within 48 hours of their departure date or the date of entry into the Kingdom, the ministry said.

Children below 8 years are exempted in view of the regulations prevailing in their countries of origin with regard to Covid infection control.

Citizens whose test results show that they are infected with the coronavirus are allowed to enter the Kingdom without the need for a PCR test provided that seven days have passed since they tested positive and that they have received the vaccine doses approved by the Kingdom.

Saudi travelers who have not taken all approved doses of the vaccine will be allowed in only after 10 days of testing positive for Covid-19.

The ministry said the new restrictions will take effect on Wednesday, Feb. 9, starting 1:00 a.m.

The ministry source stressed the need for everyone to adhere to all precautionary measures and the approved health protocols, at the same time expediting the completion of all approved vaccine doses.