Saudi citizens will have to be fully vaccinated before leaving the country

The new regulation will come into effect on 9 August

All Saudi citizens will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel outside the kingdom from 9 August, following a new ruling from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior.

The only exemptions include children under 12 and those who have recovered from Covid-19 less than six months prior to the date of travel.

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According to a government official, the decision to implement the new regulation is in accordance with the preventative and precautionary measures recommended by the Ministry of Health, and in the context of efforts to control the pandemic, given the emergence of new waves and new mutants of the virus and the low effectiveness of one dose of the vaccine.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up its vaccination drive. In addition to the new travel restrictions, the government has announced regulations to encourage more people to get vaccinated. From 1 August, access to  government buildings, educational facilities, cultural, entertainment and social events, sporting activities and malls within the country, will only be available to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.