New Saudi Arabia Entry Procedures for Travelers

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced in May 2022 the implementation of new procedures for the entry of all non-Saudi citizens and exempted travelers to the Kingdom by a circular issued today to all airlines operating in the Kingdom's airports. 

The circular stipulates the application of the institutional quarantine to non-Saudi citizens and exempted travelers, unvaccinated groups who come from countries from which their arrival has not been suspended at their own expense. 

Furthermore, the cost will be included in the ticket price with a valid health insurance policy to cover the risks that may result from infection with COVID-19.

GACA stressed on the air carriers the need to carry all travelers who are not Saudi citizens and the exempted travelers, immunized and unvaccinated groups, the health certificates approved in the Kingdom (Coronavirus examination certificates PCR) not exceeding 72 hours from the flight time for passengers eight years or older.

While non-citizen immunized persons are allowed entry, the exempted groups who received full doses of one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health can enter the Kingdom without the need for a quarantine period, provided they present an official vaccination certificate before and after upon their arrival.

This announcement was referenced in the Ministry of Interior statement on May 10, 2022, regarding institutional quarantine procedures for all arrivals to the Kingdom from countries where entry from it is not suspended.

GACA also obligated air carriers to contract with shelters and accommodation facilities approved by the Ministry of Tourism to accommodate travelers who are not Saudi citizens and excluded groups who meet the conditions of institutional quarantine for seven days, provided that a swab is done on the sixth day and the result is negative.

GACA confirmed that these procedures became effective on Shawwal 8, 1442, corresponding to May 20, 2021.

It is worth noting that GACA applies all precautionary and preventive measures at the Kingdom's airports to provide an integrated health environment for visitors to the terminals in Saudi airports. 

The measures taken by GACA include obliging the concerned authorities and the air transport companies operating in the Kingdom's airports to comply with all health safety requirements and precautionary and preventive measures. 

GACA has also opened communication channels in the Passenger Care Center around the clock at the following toll-free number: (8001168888).

This is in addition to social media sites to receive travelers' inquiries (@GacaCare), e-mail ([email protected]), or the Authority's website: (gaca.gov.sa).

Additional Hajj and Umrah 2022-related travel information are posted at this link. 

The GACA of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerged from the Presidency of Civil Aviation in 2006. Since then, GACA has been on a mission to become a leading contributor to the GDP of the Kingdom while growing and modernizing its aviation sector, mainly employing qualified Saudis.

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