Saudi Arabia Lifts Some COVID-19 Restrictions, But Masks Required in Makkah & Medina

The Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry has ended most of the COVID-19 restrictions in the kingdom including social distancing and the wearing masks outdoors.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports the new decisions will come into effect from Saturday 5 March.

The interior ministry said it will also end social distancing in the Haram in Makka and Masjid-un-Nabawi in Medina, but worshipers still have to wear masks.

Saudi Arabia will also no longer require travelers to the kingdom to undergo mandatory COVID-19 quarantine and passengers will also no longer need to provide a PCR test upon their arrival.

“It is not required to submit a negative result for an approved PCR test or an approved Rapid Antigen Test before coming to the Kingdom.”

This bodes well for Muslims across the globe that intend travelling to the kingdom for Umrah.

The Kingdom also lifted the suspension of direct flights and arrival to the Kingdom from several countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan