Saudi Citizens Traveling Outside Kingdom Need Booster Dose

By Web Desk — Saudi authorities announced new travel restrictions for both citizens and visitors on Thursday in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the Kingdom.

From Feb. 9, Saudi citizens wishing to travel outside the country will only be allowed to do so if they have received a third, or booster, a dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, Arab News reported.

Booster vaccinations can be administered if it has been at least three months since the person received their second vaccination. The new rule does not apply to children under the age of 16 or other individuals excluded under the terms of Tawakkalna.

In addition, anyone seeking entry into the Kingdom, including citizens and regardless of immunization status, must now provide a negative PCR or antigen test result within 48 hours of leaving. Children under the age of eight are exempt from this requirement.

Saudi citizens who are positive prior to arrival but have received the approved number of COVID vaccines will have to stay outside the country for seven days after providing a positive sample, the ministry said. Patients who have not received all of their doses will have to wait 10 days before they can be allowed back in.

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In the meantime, the Ministry of Interior reiterated that people who refuse to wear a face mask in public could face a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,600). SR1,000 is the penalty for a first offense but doubles for each subsequent violation up to the maximum amount.

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Those who violate COVID-19 quarantine rules could face up to two years in prison and a fine of SR200,000, the ministry said. Those who violate the rules will be deported and banned from returning to the Kingdom.