Saudi Arabia to allow direct entry for fully vaccinated expats from 'red list' states

Saudi Arabia will begin allowing entry for fully vaccinated expatriates from countries currently on the kingdom’s "red" travel restrictions list, local media reported on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs said that the new rules will apply only to expats who left Saudi Arabia on exit and re-entry visas after being vaccinated in the kingdom.

Visitors from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil, the UAE, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Lebanon and South Africa are currently barred from direct travel to Saudi Arabia under the kingdom's coronavirus measures.

The Saudi envoy to Lebanon confirmed that Riyadh had issued new instructions on entry, according to Gulf News.

India's embassy in Riyadh also confirmed that Indian nationals vaccinated in Saudi Arabia would not need to quarantine in a third country on return to the kingdom, according to the Dubai-based news outlet.

Saudi Arabia has imposed significant regulations on travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, including by barring foreign pilgrims from the annual Hajj pilgrimage and limiting visa issuance for the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca.

Last month, authorities warned that citizens who travelled to countries on Riyadh's "red list" would face severe penalties, including a three-year travel ban.