As previously reported, travellers with a visit visa to Saudi Arabia will face a one-month entry restriction if they travel to one of the kingdom’s four airports, which are located in Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif.
The entry restriction comes as the country prepares for the Hajj 2022, which is expected to draw a large number of pilgrims after being drastically decreased in recent years owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. However, the pilgrimage will return in full force in 2022.
The four airports where Visit Visa holders are not permitted are as follows:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
- Yanbu Airport (YNB)
- Taif International Airport (TIF)
It is worth noting that starting from today, i.e. June 9, all travellers with a visit visa can only enter Saudi Arabia through Riyadh airport and must have round-trip tickets.
The temporary restriction will remain in effect until 9 July (Dhul Hijjah 10, 1443 AH), when the Hajj season ends.
During the one-month Hajj season, the airports in Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif are now reserved for pilgrims holding a Hajj permit from inside and outside the Kingdom.
Saudia Issues Circular
Saudia, the state-owned airline, issued a circular to tourism and travel businesses informing them of the ban on the entry of travellers with Visit visas.
“The holders of all kinds of visit visa will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom via the four airports, which have been designated for only holders of Hajj permits from inside and outside the Kingdom during the one-month period, as it corresponds to the Hajj season.“
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The circular further said that holders of visit visas to the Kingdom must have round-trip tickets with arrival and departure from Riyadh airport.
Saudia has also issued Hajj travel guidelines for Hajj, Umrah and tourist travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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