IMPACT – HIGH

Saudi Arabia’s government has lifted its suspension of international flights and entry by land and sea and announced a number of new entry and travel measures.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals with tourist visas may not enter Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Entry is allowed to the Kingdom for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States as well as non‑Saudis who obtain any of the following visas: exit and re‑entry, work permit, or Iqama (resident permit).
  • Travel is not allowed to and from Argentina, Brazil, India, the U.K. and South Africa except for individuals with official government invitations and health practitioners from India and their families. No travelers who have been in these countries in the last 14 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia are allowed to enter, except for Saudi nationals.
  • All non‑Saudis, except children eight years old and below, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result issued by an accredited laboratory. The test must be performed no later than 72 hours before the scheduled departure to Saudi Arabia. The test validity is from the time the test result was received and should not exceed 72 hours at the time of arrival to Saudi Arabia.
  • All travelers who wish to enter Saudi Arabia must complete and sign the Health Declaration form and submit it to a health control center when they arrive at a Saudi Arabian airport.
  • All travelers entering Saudi Arabia must enter a three-day quarantine at home upon arrival. They also must obtain a COVID-19 PCR test after two days in quarantine. Those who enter quarantine for two days and do not obtain this test must remain in quarantine for seven days.
  • All travel restrictions will be lifted beginning March 31, allowing the resumption of international flights and the reopening of land and sea ports to all travelers.
  • Saudi nationals exiting Saudi Arabia after March 31 will not be required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Foreign nationals traveling from Denmark, the Netherlands, the U.K., or South Africa must have been outside these countries for at least 14 days before entering Saudi Arabia. Such travelers must also obtain a COVID-19 PCR test with a negative result after this period.
  • Travelers arriving from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland must complete a full home quarantine of seven days with a COVID 19 PCR test on the sixth day.
  • Saudi nationals and authorized travelers arriving from the U.K. and South Africa must complete a full home quarantine of 14 days and obtain a COVID‑19 PCR test after 48 hours and another test on the thirteenth day.

Additional Information: Travelers who wish to enter Saudi Arabia must follow health protocols and travel guidelines. More information about these protocols and guidelines is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The lifting of the international travel suspension will allow more people to enter Saudi Arabia, though some restrictions remain in place. Employers who intend to send employees to Saudi Arabia may wish to discuss their plans with Deloitte. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.