IMPACT – MEDIUM

Saudi Arabia has extended travel restrictions and re-closed its borders because of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • All nationals traveling from the following 20 countries are barred entry: Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. The ban includes travelers who transit through or stayed in any of the 20 countries within 14 days before seeking entry to Saudi Arabia. Exceptions exist for Saudi citizens, diplomats, health practitioners and their families.
  • The Saudi Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. have suspended visa application processing.
  • The complete lifting of border closures and restrictions on international flights has been delayed from March 31 to May 17.

Background: The Saudi Arabia government lifted its latest international travel suspension in late January. With the emergence and spread of the new COVID-19 strains, the Kingdom introduced new restrictions.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening delay and suspension mean travel to Saudi Arabia remains subject to a variety of limitations and travel and health protocols. Employers who wish 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.

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