By Annisa Essack
07:09:2021

Saudi Arabia has lifted the travel ban on three countries, including the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Argentina, from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

On Tuesday, an official source at the Ministry of Interior said it had decided to lift the suspension of entry to the Kingdom from these countries through the land, sea, and airports. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi citizens will also be allowed to travel to these countries.

The source added that the ministry’s decision is based on the report submitted by health authorities about the stable coronavirus pandemic situation in these countries.

The ministry source further stressed the importance of adhering to precautionary measures and preventive protocols to curb coronavirus spread.

Tuesday’s decision by the Ministry of Interior now sees the travel ban came down to 10, which include India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Brazil, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Lebanon.

On Aug. 24, direct entry of fully vaccinated expatriates from countries facing a travel ban was issued by the ministry.  This decision applies only to those foreigners who have a valid residency permit (iqama) and left the Kingdom on exit and re-entry visas after taking two doses of vaccine against coronavirus from Saudi Arabia.

The authorities had allowed earlier direct entry to Saudi citizens and foreign diplomats, health practitioners, and their families from the countries facing travel ban.

All other categories are required to spend a 14-day quarantine in a third country before they enter the Kingdom.