COVID-19 Entry Protocols Relaxed: Saudi Arabia Eliminates Mandatory PCR Tests and Quarantine for Travelers
Unleashing Saudi Arabia: A Vacation Paradise Follows COVID-19 Shakeup
Step foot on the golden sands of Saudi Arabia, a globetrotter's dream come true! After ditching the COVID-19 entry restrictions for tourism visa holders, this Middle Eastern jewel now boasts one of the most accessible destinations for travel enthusiasts around the world.
This move marks the most extensive revision to travel policies since September 2019, when Saudi Arabia extended a warm welcome to international tourists.
No More Barriers (Sorta)
Waving goodbye to the past, travelers will no longer need to produce proof of vaccination or a positive COVID-19 test to set foot in the Kingdom, making their journey smoother than ever.
Even travelers hailing from countries on the red list will be allowed to enter, without the dreaded institution quarantine.
Take a stroll down the bustling streets of the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, free from those pesky social distancing rules. Remember to secure a mask for enclosed public spaces, though.
COVID-focused health insurance will come at a nominal fee for all visa types.
"We are grateful for the central government's decision to protect livelihoods and lives, while opening the gates of Saudi Arabia to travelers," said Ahmad Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia. The country's relentless vaccination campaign, combined with other effective virus control measures, paved the way for a return to pre-pandemic levels.
"We've reduced travel inconveniences and costs, benefiting countless people and generating revenue for businesses deeply impacted by the pandemic," added Al Khateeb.
COVID-19, Saudi Arabia, Travel – A Glance
Saudi Arabia jumpstarted a nationwide vaccination program, administering over 61.3 million vaccines. Now, 99% of its population over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated, and the country is all set to continue its vaccination drive indefinitely.
In the global COVID cases rankings, Saudi Arabia holds a commendable 152nd place per million people, significantly below the global average and any OECD nation.
Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international leisure travelers back in September 2019, scant months before the COVID-19 outbreak. To cope with the pandemic, the country revamped its tourist strategy, focusing on domestic travel, unveiling 11 unique destinations, and crafting over 270 tourism packages.
Leisure travel has steadily increased in the Kingdom for two consecutive years, with negligible spikes in COVID cases.
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With Saudi Arabia easing travel restrictions, the Kingdom has become an affordable vacation destination for travelers worldwide. Renowned for its cultural sites and historical landmarks, enjoying a lifestyle getaway in Saudi Arabia is no longer a dream but a reality.
In the ever-changing world of general news, this move by Saudi Arabia signifies a significant shift in travel policies towards a more open and accessible destination, thereby promoting a revival of the international travel industry.
