Authorities in Saudi Arabia amended entry requirements for tourists effective starting from August 1, 2021.

GardaWorld says that under the new legislation, authorities will re-allow entry for tourist visa holders provided they are fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, only non-Saudi nationals who held valid exit and entry, work, or residency visas were permitted entry to Saudi Arabia.

Reuters says that according to a statement released by Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Ministry, vaccinated tourists will be allowed to enter without having to be institutionally quarantined upon providing a negative Covid-19 PCR test and a vaccination certificate.”  Accepted vaccines will be Pfizer (PFE.N), Astrazeneca (AZN.L), Moderna (MRNA.O) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N), the statement added.

Meanwhile, an entry ban on travelers from Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey, the UAE, and Vietnam remains, according to GardaWorld. 

The entry ban also applies to travelers who transited through any of these countries within 14 days before arriving in the kingdom. Saudi nationals, health workers, diplomats, and their families are exempt from the measures but may be required to complete a period of quarantine and PCR tests on arrival. Authorities will also impose a three-year travel ban on citizens traveling to so-called 'red list' countries from which Saudi nationals are prohibited from traveling.

Unvaccinated travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia from all other countries will be subject to at least one week of quarantine.  Those considered fully vaccinated by authorities will not undergo quarantine but will be required to provide a health certificate as proof of vaccination.

Authorities require all non-Saudis, except for children aged eight and under, to present a negative PCR test administered within no more than 72 hours before departing for the kingdom; travelers who do not provide the requisite negative test result will be barred from boarding their flight.  Travelers must complete a health disclaimer form and download and register on the Tatamman and Tawakkalna mobile applications before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Effective August 9, authorities in Saudi Arabia will prohibit Saudi citizens from international travel if they have not received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Mandates limiting public gatherings, the use of protective face coverings, and compliance with social distancing guidelines remain in force.  Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.