Saudi Arabia drops most COVID-19 restrictions from March 5

Saudi Arabia has dropped most COVID-19 restrictions from Saturday March 5. People will no longer need to wear masks in open areas or practice social distancing, according to a statement from the ministry.

The major announcement was shared by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) from an official source at the Ministry of Interior on Saturday, with the COVID restrictions lift effective immediately.

Some COVID preventative measures still remain place. Face masks are no longer required in open areas as part of the updated COVID-19 restrictions in Saudi, however, wearing masks is still mandatory in closed places.

One major change is physical distancing rules no longer apply. The latest Saudi COVID-19 restriction lift includes “suspending the application of social distancing measures in all open and closed places, activities, and events”.

Also, starting Sunday March 6, permits are no longer required to pray in Grand Holy Mosque, and to visit the Prophet (PBUH). However, they are still needed to perform Umrah and visit the Noble Rawdah ( Riyāḍ Al-Jannah, meaning Gardens of Paradise).

There will be no social distancing measures in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque and mosques, but masks must still be worn, according to the announcement.

#MoHU clarifies the main updates regarding lifting the precautionary measures in the two holy mosques. pic.twitter.com/ZtOPKAtPkI

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) March 9, 2022

Wondering about using Tawakkalna, Saudi Arabia’s official COVID-19 contact tracing app? Showing your health status on the Tawakkalna app will still be required to enter most public places, including events and activities, on aeroplanes, and public transportation, but it will no longer be required to show your health status upon entering the Two Holy Mosques.

It is still encouraged for people to take their booster shot and get triple vaxxed by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia.

Travellers arriving in the Kingdom will no longer be required to present PCR test or rapid antigen test results, but those on visitor visas will be required to have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19 treatment costs during their stay in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, there is no longer a home quarantine requirement for travellers.

For travelling pilgrims registering for Umrah permits outside of the Kingdom, it is no longer necessary to display their immunization status and vaccine card when registering to perform Umrah.

Saudi Arabia has also lifted a flight ban on several countries, including Angola, Afghanistan, Botswana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros and Zambia.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Saudi Arabia follows a strong vaccination programme with high immunisation and immunity rates.

The sweeping COVID-19 restrictions changes come after Saudi Arabia recently removed the age limit to enter the Two Holy Mosques. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia announced last week that the age limitations on Umrah pilgrims to enter the two Holy Mosques were dropped. Previously, only people aged between 18 and 50 that were double vaxxed could visit the Holy Sites.

From Sat Mar 5.