Saudi Arabia to lift travel suspension from March 31

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will reopen its land, sea and air ports for travel from March 31, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The Ministry of Interior said that Saudi citizens will be permitted to travel to and from the Kingdom. It will also lift the suspension of international flights from the same date.
An official source at the ministry said that the decision was made following a drop in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom, despite some countries experiencing a “second wave” of the pandemic and the emergence of a new form of the disease that can spread at a faster rate.
The source also said that the Kingdom is finalizing arrangements for further vaccine shipments for the immunization of people in vulnerable groups.
The news that travel restrictions will be lifted soon was welcomed by Saudi citizens. Abdullah Omar said the announcement represents “a huge success for Saudi Arabia, to be able to control the pandemic through the great safety precautions (that have) been made through the peak of the disease.”
He added that the careful consideration of the decision to lift the ban on international flights is “a huge sign that the country is not taking any step ahead unless it is well studied.”
Saudi engineer Ibrahim Babateen, who described himself as a travel enthusiast, said he has been waiting for a long time to hear that citizens will be allowed to travel again, and is thrilled an announcement has finally been made.
He said he has already booked a flight in April and added: “It tells us that the pandemic is going to end soon, inshallah, and life will return to normal. I really can’t wait to enjoy my vacation after a long time — I feel so good.”