Vaccinated Saudis free to travel abroad as ban lifted

Saudi Arabia has reopened for international travel, allowing those vaccinated against COVID-19 to go abroad for the first time in more than a year.

In an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, Saudi Arabia banned most travel to and from the country in March 2020. Earlier this month, the Interior Ministry announced an easing of the travel ban that would allow citizens who have received two doses or have received a single dose of the coronavirus vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel beginning May 17.

Those who have recovered from the virus in the last six months are also permitted to take international flights, as are those under the age of 18 who travel with insurance. Travelers must provide proof of their vaccine or previous coronavirus infection using the government’s Tawakkalna app.

State carrier Saudia will operate flights to 71 cities, including New York, Cairo, Paris and Washington. Travelers returning from abroad must quarantine for seven days at home and take a COVID-19 test at the end of that week.