Saudi Arabia lifts travel restrictions on GCC nationals, visa holders

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and non-Saudis who hold valid visa -- work, residence or visit -- are allowed to leave and re-enter the Kingdom starting today, Sept. 15, on the condition that they adhere to coronavirus-related health precautions.

Additionally, entry to the Kingdom will not be allowed unless the visa-holder can furnish proof of being free of coronavirus. A recent COVID-19 negative test result, therefore, must be provided within 48 hours of arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Suspension on arrival/departure of international flights will be partially lifted, and land, sea and air ports will allow excluded categories of citizens and others to exit and re-enter the Kingdom.

The decision does not violate any approved requirements or controls related to the countries to which travel or arrival has been suspended, for reasons other than limiting the spread of the new coronavirus.

Meanwhile, these exceptions do not apply to countries against which the committee concerned decides to take COVID-19 preventive measures by suspending travel, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom.

On March 15, Saudi Arabia suspended international flights as part of the precautionary measures taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.