Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends travel to EU, some Asian and African countries

Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended travel of citizens and residents to a number of countries affected by the coronavirus, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing an official source at the Ministry of Interior.

In accordance with the preventive and precautionary measures recommended by health authorities in Saudi Arabia, the government temporarily suspended flights to the European Union (EU) countries, Swiss Confederation, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia.

The Kingdom also suspended the entry of those coming from these countries, and of those who were there during 14 days prior to their arrival. Additionally, the movement of passengers through all land ports with Jordan has also been suspended.

The decision gives a 72-hour period for citizens and those with valid residency of those countries to return to Saudi Arabia, before the travel suspension decision becomes effective.

However, commercial and freight traffic, and humanitarian and exceptional cases are still allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. The suspension also excluded health practitioners from Philippines and India, evacuation, shipping and trade trips, while taking the necessary precautions.

The decision indicated that the Ministries of Interior and Health will need to coordinate to deal with humanitarian and exceptional cases, without prejudice to the necessary precautionary and preventive measures.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended travel of citizens and residents to and from 5 coronavirus affected countries, including Oman, France, Germany, Turkey and Spain.