Institutional quarantine must for KSA arrivals
GACA notified airlines to include expenses in ticket prices
Institutional quarantine measures will apply to all people coming to Saudi Arabia from countries not facing a travel suspension, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced.
The move comes in light of the Kingdom’s efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recommendations of the competent health authorities.
As opposed to home quarantine, institutional quarantine is enforced at a facility under the supervision of the local health authorities.
The ministry said certain categories of travelers would be exempt from the decision, provided that those in question abide by the Ministry of Health’s precautionary measures.
The exempted categories of people at air borders include Saudi citizens, their spouses, children and domestic helpers accompanying them. Additionally, nonvaccinated dothose mestic helpers accompanying vaccinated residents are also excluded, as well as vaccinated visitors. Official delegations and holders of diplomatic visas, diplomats and their families fall under the exempted categories in addition to airline staff and crew and those involved in health supply chains, as the ministry deems appropriate.
As for arrivals coming through land and sea borders, the same individuals are also included in addition to truck drivers and their assistants as well as vaccinated travelers with companions under the age of 18. Other cases can be excluded as relevant authorities deem necessary, the ministry added.
All these categories, except for vaccinated, must self-isolate at home upon arrival and must have valid insurance approved by the Saudi authorities to cover COVID-19 risks during their stay in the Kingdom.
These measures will be effective as of May 20.
The ministry stressed that all travel-related precautionary measures are regularly assessed and reviewed by the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), to keep up with the changes and developments. Relevant authorities will announce related measures and protocols in due course, the ministry added.
Meanwhile, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said all unvaccinated people coming to the Kingdom would have to bear the cost of their institutional quarantine.
The authority said the cost would be included in their ticket fare. GACA also reportedly notified all airlines to coordinate with the Saudi Tourism Ministry to make arrangements for travelers’ institutional quarantine.