After the pandemic has fallen upon countries at a global level, every state has been trying to minimize the spread of the virus by putting restrictions on travelling both inter-state and internationally. While some countries are still under complete lockdown due to an uncontrolled number of cases, other countries are slowly getting back to life.
Saudi Arabia is one such country that has seen fluctuated suspensions and removal of these suspensions depending on the situation of COVID-19 outbreak. According to the latest reports, the country has decided to lift the suspension on international flights, which is why people can now start searching for cheap Umrah packages to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The Periodic Flight Suspensions in Saudi Arabia
Like any other country who has been under the influence of coronavirus, Saudi Arabia has also seemed episodic suspensions going on and off. The country cannot risk the safety of its occupant whereas it also cannot put a full stop to its international trade and other economic factors. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the most sacred place for all Muslim community as the Holy Kaaba and the Mosque of Medina is situated in the country where millions of Muslims from all over the world come for Hajj and Umrah. International flights were first suspended for fourteen days after which every holy pilgrimage was banned in the Kingdom.
However, domestic flights, emergency flights, and repatriation flights were allowed to operate in this time. After the rapid increase of the virus worldwide, the country decided to suspend all kinds of flights on March 21st. This suspension was lifted later in May. In September, flights from different countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and India were also banned
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The Decision of Lifting the Suspension on International Travel
On 20th December 2020, the Gulf News published that the government of the Saudi araba has decided to commence another suspension on international flights for at least 14 days. Not only that, but the road travel routes and seaport entry to the Kingdom were also banned to foreigners. The suspension was lifted on the 3rd January 2021, but international travelers go to Umrah still have to follow a strict set of rules and regulations to enter the country.
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Precautionary Requirements Against the New Strain
The latest information about the new strain of virus been mutated has left countries more conscious and alert. Saudi Arabia has also put on restrictions for international travelers in terms that they will have to stay quarantined for at least 7 days before entering the country. South Africa, UK, and other countries that are under the severe strain of the virus are advised to be more careful and follow the quarantine rule. According to the kingdom’s orders:
“…any foreign passenger who [wishes] to enter Saudi Arabia from the United Kingdom, South Africa, [or] any other country determined by the Ministry of Health, must spend at least 14 days outside the country impacted with the mutated virus before entering the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia].”
The statement clearly depicts that the kingdom is concerned and working proactively to fight against the viral outbreak. Any international traveler who wants to set foot in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must comply with all the rules.
