As of August 1st, 2021, Saudi Arabia has opened their borders to vaccinated travellers. We are sure everyone is eager to travel and here at Funadiq we are excited to have you back but there are a few rules and regulations you must note prior to arranging any travel plans.

Q. What kind of visa is required for entry?

A. Saudi Arabia has introduced the Saudi eVisa for international travellers. Individuals can now use the fast and easy-to-use online portal to apply for their visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Registration/Verify). The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. It covers tourism-related activities and Umrah (excluding Hajj season) and excludes other activities such as studying.

Q. What vaccines are accepted?

A. In order to receive a valid tourism visa, all visitors must provide evidence of a full course of one of the four vaccines currently recognized: two doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, or Moderna vaccines or a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Guests who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in the Kingdom.

All travellers must provide an approved paper vaccination certificate, certified by official health authorities in the issuing country. Saudi Arabia has opened a web portal at https://muqeem.sa/vaccine-registration/home for visitors to register their vaccination status. The site is available in Arabic and English.

Q. Is a Covid-19 test required for entry?

A. Travellers entering Saudi Arabia are required to provide a negative PCR test that has been performed no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Along with the negative test result, travellers must also provide an approved paper vaccination certificate certified by the official health authorities of the issuing country.

Q. Will I be required to quarantine upon arrival?

A. There are currently no quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers entering Saudi Arabia. However, to better accommodate travelers, Saudi has upgraded Tawakkalna, the country’s track and trace app, to allow temporary visitors to register with their passport details. Tawwakalna is required for entry to many public places in Saudi, including shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Q. If I already have a tourism visa am I required to pay any additional costs? 

A. All travelers entering on a previously issued tourism visa will be required to pay an additional fee of SAR 40 at the airport of their arrival to cover insurance for any COVID-19 related medical expenses.

Q. What countries are eligible to enter Saudi Arabia?

A. There is currently a list of 49 countries eligible for entry into Saudi Arabia. This list is changing as restrictions are lifted and/or new ones are put in place. Ensure your country of residency is on the list prior to arranging travel plans, the eligible countries can be found at https://visa.visitsaudi.com

Q. Are there additional restrictions for foreign Umrah travellers?

A. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that foreign pilgrims will be allowed to partake in Umrah beginning August 10th, 2021 using their Saudi eVisa. Foreign pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two complete doses of either Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or a single complete dose of Johnson and Johnson. Guests who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted if they have received an additional dose of one of the four vaccines approved in the Kingdom.

In order to partake in Umrah, pilgrims must be 18 years of age or older. Those who do not meet these requirements can still accompany parents but must remain in their hotel and cannot enter Haram or its courtyards.

This information is subject to change, please be sure you are well informed on the most up to date travel restrictions prior to booking your trip.