Saudi Arabia, a major hub for travellers from the world has announced that foreign travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, from a number of countries, will not need to quarantine now. It applies to travellers coming to Saudi Arabia by air, and the decision will be put into effect from May 20.
The civil aviation authority of Saudi Arabia also stated that the ruling applies to travellers from eligible countries, and is for those who have been fully vaccinated against the virus or have recovered from COVID-19. They need to carry their vaccination certificates while visiting Saudi. Previously, foreigners visiting the country had to quarantine for 7 – 14 days in government-approved hotels on arrival.
Foreign travellers who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and are above the age of eight years need to quarantine for a week on arrival and bear the cost for the same as well. They also need to furnish the authorities with valid health insurance policy as well as a negative RT-PCR test after five days of their arrival.
Currently, travellers from 20 countries are barred from visiting Saudi. The nations include India, Britain, the USA, Germany, France and the UAE among others. Moreover, Saudi nationals are also barred from visiting 13 countries to prevent COVID-19 outbreak; these 13 nations include Turkey, Armenia, Yemen, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Belarus, Congo, Turkey, Somalia and a few others.