Saudi Arabia Bans Entry from 25 High-Risk Countries to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

There are 25 high-risk countries targeted by Saudi Arabia, whose nationals cannot set foot on Saudi soil, as part of the UMRAH. The publication of this list follows the announcement of the "temporary" suspension of the entry of foreigners into the territory of Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement from the Saudi airline, the tourist visa has been suspended for all passengers and crew members of airlines coming from the following countries: China / Chinese Taipei / Hong Kong (China SAR) / Iran / Italy / Korea (Rep.) / Macao (China SAR) / Japan / Thailand / Malaysia / Indonesia / Pakistan / Afghanistan / Iraq / Philippines / Singapore / India / Lebanon / Syria / Yemen / Azerbaijan / Kazakhstan / Uzbekistan / Somalia and Vietnam.

In addition to these nationalities, the visa for Umrah and the visit visa have been temporarily suspended as of this Friday, February 28.

Furthermore, Sauudia Airlines prohibits all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals from using the national identity card. Pilgrims must now travel using a passport to or from Saudi Arabia. Only passengers who have traveled to or from Saudi Arabia using the national identity card before the announcement are spared this new measure.