Saudi Arabia Extends Travel Ban, All Borders To Remain Closed Till May 17

The Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the reopening of its land, sea, and air borders for travel is postponed till May 17.

Earlier, the ministry on Jan 08 announced that it will lift the temporary travel ban and resume all international flights From 31st March 2021.

Earlier this week, Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has also said that it is preparing to implement the govt. the decision to resume international flights for citizens effective from March 31 this year.

A statement issued online by SPA said, “The Ministry of Interior announced the amendment of the date of lifting the travel suspension for citizens and the opening of the land, sea, and airports completely to be starting at 1 AM on Monday, 17th May 2021 instead of 31st March 2021.” 

Interior ministry spokesperson said the decision was taken “given the importance of reaching high levels of community immunity in the Kingdom before travel is permitted, in light of a possible second wave of the pandemic in many countries, in the interest of public health in the Kingdom and to maintain low infection rates.”

#عاجل
وزارة الداخلية تعلن عن تعديل موعد رفع تعليق السفر للمواطنين وفتح المنافذ البرية والبحرية والجوية بشكل كامل ليكون اعتباراً من الساعة الواحدة صباحاً من يوم الاثنين 5 / 10 / 1442هـ الموافق 17 / 5 / 2021 م بدلاً من 18 / 8 / 1442هـ الموافق 31 / 3 / 2021م.#واس_عام

— واس العام (@SPAregions) January 29, 2021

Based on the Minister of Health’s statement that the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers were late, in delivering contracted batches, at the specific times.

And due to the importance of reaching high community immunity rates, in the Kingdom, before allowing travel and in light of the second wave of the pandemic, in many countries.

Also Read: UK Temporarily Suspends Direct Flights From UAE