Message for U.S. Citizens – April 2, 2020
Location: Saudi Arabia
Event: The U.S. Mission is pleased to announce that it has arranged with Saudi authorities for a commercial repatriation flight from Dammam, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, to Washington-Dulles International Airport, on Monday, April 6, 2020. The Saudia Airlines flight will depart from Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM) at 10:00 AM on April 6, and arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, VA at 5:15 PM on April 6.
The U.S. Mission expects to announce additional flights, including one from Jeddah, in the near future. All flights will be announced via the STEP system and through the Mission’s website and American Citizens Services Twitter account.
Booking will be conducted exclusively through the process described below. Do not contact Saudia about this flight.
Tickets on the April 6 flight will be available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States and their spouses and minor children; U.S. citizen minors may be accompanied by one non-U.S. citizen guardian. All travelers must be located in the Eastern Province and able to reach the airport without violating current Saudi curfew restrictions. U.S. citizens and LPRs who wish to travel on this flight and who reside in the Eastern Province should complete the online survey at https://bit.ly/3bLcxAQ. A form should be completed for each individual traveler; please include a Saudi phone number for contact if at all possible, not a U.S. or other foreign number. The forms are automatically returned to the U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran, which will review the information and pass it to Saudia; a representative of Saudia will then call the passenger to arrange purchase of tickets. If for any reason you are unable to complete the form, please send an e-mail to DhahranACS@state.gov.
While pricing is being finalized, Saudia advises that economy class tickets will cost approximately 6,000 SAR and business class tickets approximately 16,000 SAR and will be non-refundable. Saudia is also finalizing luggage and pet polices for this flight and will discuss these with passengers as they are called.
All potential travelers should review the new “Tips for Repatriation Flights” section of the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page.
When the flight is fully booked an announcement will be made on the ACS Twitter account. If you have not been booked on the April 6 flight, you should continue to monitor the U.S. Mission’s media accounts for announcements of additional flights.
All travelers must be properly documented to enter the United States. Travelers are responsible for completing required Saudi exit/reentry permit procedures prior to travel (please see the March 30 Health Alert); it will not be possible to complete these procedures at the airport. As noted in the Alert, prospective passengers should consider CDC guidance on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, review health conditions at their final destination, and bear in mind that a return to Saudia Arabia will not be possible until full commercial service has been restored.
**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.
The CDC advises travelers arriving from Saudi Arabia to stay home, monitor their health, and practice social distancing for 14 days after they arrive in the United States. Information regarding screening upon arrival at Dulles International Airport can be found at https://www.flydulles.com/iad/dulles-international-airport-traveler-update-covid-19-coronavirus-0.
Passengers on this flight continuing to a final destination outside the Washington D.C. area should book onward flights before leaving Saudi Arabia. Given the screening procedures upon arrival, they should plan extra time to make connections.
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.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Phone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Saudi Arabia Country Information
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