COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information

Last updated: 04/12/2022

*** Effective December 6, 2021, all air travelers (regardless of citizenship or vaccination status) aged two and above must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day prior to departure for the United States, or documentation of recovery in the past 90 days.  Non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrant travelers to the United States must also present proof of full vaccination.  More information is available on the CDC website.

Travel Advisory Status

  • On April 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of State lowered its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia from Level 4: Do Not Travel, to Level 3: Reconsider Travel. For more information visit state.gov

*New Updates*

Travel and Vaccination Updates

  • The Saudi Arabian government announced the resumption of the visa-on-arrival for citizens of the US.
  • Effective March 5, 2022, Saudi Arabia has removed most COVID-19 restrictions within the Kingdom, including:
    • visitors to the Kingdom are no longer required to provide a PCR test upon arrival;
    • travelers are no longer required to undergo the mandatory COVID-19 quarantine upon arrival to the Kingdom;
    • outdoor mask and social distancing mandates are lifted;
    • social distancing at the Two Holy Mosques and all mosques in the Kingdom is no longer required; however, mask wearing is still required indoors.
  • The indoor mask mandate remains in place under the newly revised guidelines.
  • All travelers to the Kingdom are still required to obtain insurance that covers the cost of treatment from COVID-19 infection.

Country-Specific Information

  • Saudi Arabia is experiencing sustained community transmission of COVID-19. Information about reported cases in the Kingdom is available on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard in Arabic and in English.
  • The Government of Saudi Arabia requires everyone to wear a face mask in all indoor public and retail venues. Those who fail to comply are subject to a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals (SAR)
  • The Saudi Ministry of Interior requires all persons in Saudi Arabia to show proof of vaccination by a Ministry of Health-approved vaccine to enter all government and private establishments, as well as to use public transportation and air travel. For more information, please visit: https://eservices.moh.gov.sa/CoronaVaccineRegistration.
  • All retail establishments and public buildings throughout the country require that individuals use the Tawakkalna app to be admitted into the establishment.
  • Beginning February 1, 2022, coronavirus vaccination boosters will be required for entering public places. This applies to those 18 years old and over who received their second vaccine dose at least three months prior.

Domestic Travel Restrictions

  • Only fully vaccinated (two doses with a booster) passengers, with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, will be allowed to travel on domestic flights in Saudi Arabia. This rule does not apply to children under the age of 12 years old or individuals who are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination due to health reasons documented by the Ministry of Health.  The exemption should be shown on the passenger’s Tawakkalna app.

COVID-19 Testing

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia? Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
    • The Saudi Ministry of Health set up Tetamman (تطمن‎) clinics throughout the Kingdom to test people with COVID-19 symptoms. Saudi citizens and non-Saudi nationals can visit these clinics at any time without an appointment and receive a COVID-19 test free of charge. The Ministry of Health has also set up Taakad (تأكد) clinics throughout the Kingdom where people can book an appointment for testing. Such advance appointments are available through the Sehhaty app or the Tawakkalna  Test results will be delivered through the app within 24-72 hours. Test results received on the apps are not sufficient for travel outside of the Kingdom.Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  A list of private testing sites can be found at: https://covid19.cdc.gov.sa/ar/approved-covid-19-laboratories-ar/private-laboratories-ar/
    • The Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 hotline can be reached by dialing 937 on your local phone. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

  • Has the government of Saudi Arabia approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?  Yes.  Travelers who have received the required doses (with booster for vaccines for which it is required) of Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Sputnik and Covovax can travel into the Kingdom. Coronavirus vaccination boosters will be required for entering public places.  This applies to those 18 years old and over who received their second vaccine dose at least eight months prior.
  • Are vaccines available in Saudi Arabia for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
  • Which vaccines are available in Saudi Arabia?
    • Saudi Arabia is currently administering the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines for free to all citizens, residents, or holders of visit visas in the Kingdom. Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has full authorization from the U.S. FDA. For more information, visit the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine website: https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/awarenessplateform/VariousTopics/Pages/COVID-19Vaccine.aspx
    • Individuals who wish to sign up for the vaccine can do so on the Sehhaty app.
    • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
    • Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
  • COVID vaccination boosters are required for all Saudi citizens traveling outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This does not apply to those under 16 years old.
  • COVID-19 boosters are available for those who received the second vaccine dose at least three months prior. Vaccination appointments are available through the Sehhaty app.
  • COVID vaccinations boosters are required for entering public places. This applies to those 18 years old and over who received their second vaccine dose at least eight months prior.
  • All persons in Saudi Arabia infected with COVID-19 will be allowed to receive the third booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination immediately after their recovery from COVID-19 provided three months have passed since they received the second dose of the vaccine.

Vaccination Availability for Non-Resident

  • Holders of visit visas are now able to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Visitors can obtain additional information on vaccination centers by calling 937, the Ministry of Health’s communication center toll-free number.
  • For more information, please visit: https://www.moh.gov.sa/

Vaccination Registration Requirement for Inbound Passengers

  • All non-Saudi citizen passengers must enter their immunization data into the Saudi vaccination registration system “Muqeem” before arrival into Saudi Arabia.  The vaccination registration website can be found here https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home.
  • The Embassy has received numerous phone calls about vaccination status in the Tawakkalna app not updating to show fully vaccinated and/or COVID negative results.  U.S. citizens must contact the Ministry of Health via telephone at 937 to resolve their Tawakkalna status.  The Embassy is unable to assist in this matter.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter Saudi Arabia?  Yes
  • All non-resident travelers coming to Saudi Arabia are required to have insurance covering the risks of coronavirus infection.  More information related to insurance for Umrah can be found here.
    • More information about the Umrah can be found here.  The CDC does not recommend participation in Umrah at this time.
  •  Saudi citizens may  travel outside of the Kingdom if they meet vaccination and/or insurance requirements; more information available here.
  • The Saudi Arabian Government announced that effective December 3, Saudi Arabia will allow travelers from all other countries to enter the Kingdom if they are fully vaccinated (with booster for vaccines with which it is required) with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, including: Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Sputnik and Covovax.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry to Saudi Arabia? No. 
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry in Saudi Arabia? No
  • See below for quarantine requirements.

Saudi Arabian Visas

  • The Saudi government has resumed issuance of tourist and most other categories of visas. For tourist visa related questions, those inside the Kingdom can dial 930, or call +966 920 000 890 to speak to a Saudi official.  Outside the Kingdom, inquirers can contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
  • The Saudi Arabian government announced the resumption of the visa-on-arrival for citizens of the US.
  • The Saudi Government announced that the following e-Services are now available through online platform Muqeem: extending exit/reentry visas for residents outside the Kingdom, renewing iqamas for residents outside the Kingdom
  • Only fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the Kingdom.

Exit Reuirements

  • Persons wishing to depart Saudi Arabia are responsible for completing all Saudi exit procedures before arrival at the airport or border crossing.
  • U.S. citizens with residence permits (iqamas) need an exit permit to leave the country and can obtain one online if they have an Absher account or with the assistance of their sponsor. Most U.S. citizens who are in Saudi Arabia on visit visas (business or family visit) will not have additional exit requirements but must depart the Kingdom before the expiration of their authorized period of stay. You can request a visa extension via the Ministry of the Interior website or in person through the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
  • To travel outside the Kingdom, Saudi citizens are required to have a COVID-19 booster if they received the second vaccination dose more than 3 months prior.  This does not apply to those under 16 years old.

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No, but immunization is required for public transportation or domestic air travel.

Requirements for Entering Private and Public Buildings in Saudi Arabia

  1. All retail establishments and public buildings throughout the country require that individuals use the Tawakkalna app to be admitted into the establishment.
  2. The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced COVID-19 immunization is required as of October 10 to enter any social, economic, commercial, cultural, scientific, entertainment, or sporting facility or event in Saudi Arabia. Immunization will be required to enter educational institutions, both government and private. Additionally, immunization will be required in order to use public transportation.
  3. The Ministry of Health has announced that beginning February 1, 2022, coronavirus vaccinations boosters will be required for entering public places. The decision applies to those 18 and over who received their second vaccine dose at least eight months ago.

Fines for Non-Compliance

  • Performing Umrah, the year-round Islamic pilgrimage, without proper authorization is a criminal offense. See details on phased Umrah implementation plan above under Country-Specific Information.

Quarantine Information

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?  No.
  • Visitors must download and register on the Tawakkalna application and assign a home location through the app.  Travelers are instructed to not disable or disconnect the application, not turn off their phone or the app’s GPS, and keep their phone connected to the internet.
  • Vaccination Registration Web Portal: The Government of Saudi Arabia has created a web portal for travelers to the Kingdom to register their vaccination data to expedite entry procedures into the Kingdom.  https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/register.

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes
  • Domestic air travel and travel within the country by bus, train, and other means of transportation is functioning, but passengers must be immunized.

Consular Operations

  • What American citizen services are being offered?

All U.S. citizen services are currently being offered, including: U.S. passport services, notarial services, and consular report of birth abroad. Appointments are available on our website.

Visa Services

  • What visa services are being offered?

All visa services are open and appointments are available at Embassy Riyadh and Consulates General Jeddah and Dhahran.  For more information, please visit: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/sa/.  Individuals with questions regarding immigrant visas may contact RiyadhIV@state.gov. Individuals with questions regarding non-immigrant visas may contact DhahranNIV@state.gov, JeddahVisas@state.gov, or RiyadhNIV@state.gov.

Local Resources

Waiver Process for CDC Order on Pre-Flight Testing:

  • Waivers to the testing requirement may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel.  There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.  Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and provide the information below.  The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration.

The following information must be provided for each passenger:

  • Name (family name/surname, given name), passport number and country.
  • Cell phone number including country code of passenger or head of household if family unit.
  • Email address of passenger or head of household if family unit
  • U.S. destination address
    • Is U.S. destination home address?
  • Departure date
  • Flight itinerary
  • Name of submitting entity if different from passenger.
  • Name of company submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  • Name of point of contact submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  • Phone and email address for POC submitting waiver request on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
  • Purpose of travel to the U.S. (provide brief explanation of why urgent travel is needed and how travel will contribute to health and safety of passengers(s))
  • Justification for testing waiver (e.g. no testing available, impact on health and safety)
  • Documentation to support justification for test waiver, if available (e.g. medical records or orders for medical evacuation)

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