Health Alert: Repatriation Flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, June 19-29
Message for U.S. Citizens – June 9, 2020
Location: Saudi Arabia
Event: The U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has arranged with Saudi authorities and Saudia Airlines to offer limited commercial flights from the Kingdom to the United States during the period that regular commercial service is suspended to help contain the COVID-19 virus.
Saudia Airlines has announced additional flights to the United States from Riyadh and Jeddah, all arriving at Washington Dulles-International airport (IAD). Flights to IAD will depart from Riyadh on June 20, 24, and 29 and from Jeddah on June 19, 21, 23, and 28. These are one-way flights with no possibility of return to the Kingdom at this time; there is no indication when commercial air service will be restored. U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States who are considering returning to the United States should consider taking one of the following flights or be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite time period.
Booking Instructions:
Booking for these flights will be conducted online at www.Saudia.com (passengers must select the ‘one-way’ option); through Saudia’s call center at 92 000 0488; and by WhatsApp at +966 55 673 3500. All travelers must be appropriately documented to enter to the United States.
Required Documentation:
Passengers must have completed all required Saudi exit procedures before arriving at the airport (please see the March 30 Health Alert on this topic); it will not be possible to complete these procedures at the airport. U.S. citizens who also have Saudi nationality and wish to take any of these flights should contact the nearest American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the email address below for guidance before booking a ticket.
Transportation:
Passengers are responsible for their own transportation to the airport. Departure times for these flights may be subject to curfew restrictions. All passengers must request exemption from these restrictions from the Saudi Ministry of Interior using the website https://tanaqul.ecloud.sa/login; this website is best accessed on a smart phone and is available in English if accessed from a computer. Movements between or within cities may also be requested via the “Tawakkalna” app – please see the May 18 Health Alert for additional information. All passengers heading for the airport should be prepared to show their ticket or boarding pass at any checkpoint.
Other Considerations:
There are no commercial flights from the United States to Saudia Arabia at this time; passengers on these flights will not be able to return to the Kingdom until commercial service is restored.
Prospective passengers should consider CDC guidance on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and review health conditions at their final destination. The CDC advises travelers on flights from Saudi Arabia to self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive in the United States.
Passengers who are making flight connections should allow extra time for COVID-19 related screening procedures upon arrival in the United States.
All passengers should carefully review the Tips for Repatriation Flights portion of the U.S. Mission’s COVID-19 information page.
**Please note: Health screening will be conducted prior to embarkation and anyone with flu-like symptoms or a fever will not be allowed to board a flight and should not come to the airport.
Actions to Take:
• Register in STEP and encourage other Americans to do so.
• Ensure your passport is valid and you have funds to purchase a ticket.
• Complete any Saudi exit permit/visa formalities if you wish to travel.
• Cooperate with public policies designed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
• Stay abreast of local news and information concerning travel restrictions.
• For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Saudi Arabia.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest restrictions on travel to the United States.
For Assistance Contact:
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Saudi Arabia Country Information
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