COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information

Last updated: 06/28/2022

*** As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.

CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

New Travel Updates

After June 30, U.S. citizens living abroad may no longer use their expired passport to return directly to the United States. To renew your passport in Saudi Arabia, please visit https://sa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.

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

Country-Specific Information

  • Information about reported cases in the Kingdom is available on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard in Arabic and in English.
  • As of June 13, 2022, the Government of Saudi Arabia no longer requires the use of  a face mask or proof of vaccination (Tawakkalna app) to enter various facilities, participate in activities, attend events, or board planes or public transportation, with some exceptions. These exceptions include but are not limited to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, in addition to health facilities, public events, airplanes and public transport providers that wish to uphold these preventative measures.

 

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. 
  • As of March 5, 2022, Saudi Arabia removed most COVID-19 restrictions for travelers into 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;
    • social distancing at the Two Holy Mosques and all mosques in the Kingdom is no longer required; however, mask wearing is still required indoors.
  • All travelers to the Kingdom are still required to obtain insurance that covers the cost of treatment from COVID-19 infection.

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 within eight months from the second dose, while children under 16 years are required to have a valid health insurance policy approved by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to cover the risks of COVID-19.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.  For additional travel health information, please visit the CDC.
  • 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 Requirements

  • 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 COVID-19 vaccination boosters within eight months from the second dose, while children under 16 years are required to have valid health insurance policy approved by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to cover the risks of COVID-19.

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

  • As of June 13, 2022, the Government of Saudi Arabia no longer requires the use of a face mask or proof of vaccination (Tawakkalna app) to enter various facilities, participate in activities, attend events, or board planes or public transportation, with some exceptions. These exceptions include but are not limited to Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, in addition to health facilities, public events, airplanes and public transport providers that wish to uphold the preventative measures.

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

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

Other links:

 

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