Saudi Arabia: COVID-19 vaccinations boosters will be required for entering public places from Feb. 1

Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that beginning Feb. 1, COVID-19 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.

• Domestic Measures

Authorities are maintaining mask-wearing and social distancing in all closed and open spaces in response to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. All retail establishments and public buildings throughout the country require individuals to use the Tawakkalna app to be admitted into the establishment. People in Saudi Arabia will have 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 domestic air travel. Social distancing has been reimposed at Makkah’s Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, and social distancing measures will be applied to worshippers in prayer areas and pilgrims performing Umrah.

• International Entry Restrictions

Authorities in Saudi Arabia are allowing entry to travelers “from all countries” provided they have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Such travelers will still be required to quarantine for at least three days upon arrival in the country. The measure does not apply to travelers from countries on Saudi Arabia’s travel ban list.

Authorities require all non-Saudis, except for children under eight years of age, to present a negative result from a PCR test taken 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. All incoming travelers, except for Saudi citizens and residents and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, must also have medical insurance covering COVID-19 treatment.

All travelers, except for Saudi citizens and certain exempted individuals, must complete a Registration Immunization Information Form (i.e., arrival registration) before departing for Saudi Arabia; completing the form registers individuals’ vaccination data, allowing them to use the Tawakkalna mobile application. Travelers with tourist visas are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia provided they are fully vaccinated and have completed their arrival registration via the Muqeem website.