A responsible source in the Saudi Ministry of Interior has stated that, based on the monitoring of the epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations from the relevant health authorities, along with the achievements made in combating the pandemic, progress in the national vaccination program, and the increased rates of vaccination and immunity in the community, it has been decided to lift precautionary and preventive measures related to combating COVID-19 effective immediately.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that social distancing measures will be suspended in the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and other mosques, while wearing masks will remain mandatory in these areas. Additionally, distancing measures will be lifted in all places (both closed and open) as well as activities and events, and wearing masks will not be required in open places, though it will still be mandatory in closed locations.
It has also been decided that presenting a negative result from a certified PCR test or a certified rapid antigen test will no longer be a requirement prior to arrival in the Kingdom. However, travelers entering the Kingdom on various types of visit visas will be required to have insurance to cover the costs of treatment for COVID-19 during their stay. The implementation of institutional quarantine and home quarantine for the purpose of combating the pandemic for incoming travelers has also been canceled.
According to "WAS", the direct entry ban into the Kingdom will be lifted, as will the suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights to and from the following countries: the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mauritius, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Madagascar, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Seychelles, the Union of the Comoros, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The source emphasized the importance of continuing to implement the national vaccination plan, which includes receiving the booster dose (third shot), and the application of health status verification measures in the (Tawakkalna) app for entry to facilities and activities, attending events, and boarding airplanes and public transportation. The aforementioned measures are subject to ongoing evaluation by the relevant health authorities in the Kingdom, according to the developments in the epidemiological situation.
