Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia issues COVID-19 guidelines, measures for int’l travel

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) issued updated guidelines and coronavirus precautionary measures on Thursday for passengers who are allowed to travel to and from the Kingdom.

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On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia began allowing certain citizens and residents to enter and exit the Kingdom after lifting its suspension of all international travel put in place in early March to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The new guidelines stipulate that travelers who wish to enter the Kingdom must provide a negative COVID-19 test from an approved medical center no more than 48 hours prior to their flight date.

Saudis and non-Saudis arriving from outside the country must quarantine at home for three days and must use the mobile applications called “Tataman” and “Tawakkalna.” Travelers must also report if they have any coronavirus symptoms.

Tickets will continue to only be issued electronically in order to adhere to safety measures.

Additionally, the new guidelines include the following:

• Face masks must be worn at all times.
• Travelers temperatures’ will be taken at the airport.
• Those with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to travel.
• Travelers must sanitize their hands upon their entry to the airport.
• During the flight, travelers must wear face masks and gloves.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that GACA is ensuring social distancing measures are applied in all Saudi airports. Furthermore, isolation areas have been put in place at airports for suspected COVID-19 cases.

GACA’s passenger guide can be viewed and downloaded online via their official website.

After January 1, 2021, all citizens and residents of the country will be allowed to travel, according to SPA.

Read more:

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