Saudi Arabia Allows Direct Entry for Indonesian Travelers, No Covid Booster Shot Needed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Saudi Arabia has allowed direct entry to travelers from Indonesia and lifted Covid-19 booster shot a requirement to enter the Kingdom starting from December 1.

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas welcomed the new rules issued by the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority on November 25.

“Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), just before returning from Saudi Arabia, I receive an official announcement that starting on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 1.00 am local time, Indonesian citizens will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia directly, lifting a requirement to first spend 14 days in another country outside Indonesia,” Yaqut said in a statement on Friday, November 26.

Also read: Indonesia to Vaccinate 57,000 Elderly Pilgrims: Health Ministry

Starting from December 1, Indonesian travelers are no longer required to take the Covid-19 booster shots before entering the Kingdom. However, a five-day quarantine remains in place upon their arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.

Besides Indonesia, Saudi Arabia also allowed direct entry to travelers from Pakistan, Brazil, India, Vietnam, and Egypt. Previously, Saudi Arabia restricted entry from Indonesia and some other countries over the Covid-19 in February this year. The rules were renewed in August when Saudi Arabia allowed direct entry to expatriates from Indonesia with the Kingdom residence permits.

“Hopefully, Indonesian Muslim pilgrims can soon enter the Islamic holy sites to fulfill their long-cherished dream. But, they are required to follow the health protocols set by the Saudi Arabia government,” the minister said.

(Writer: Sania Mashabi | Editor: Diamanty Meiliana)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/11/26/13293551/menag-wni-tak-perlu-booster-vaksin-covid-19-masuk-arab-saudi-penerbangan?page=all#page2.