Saudi Arabia extends travel restrictions for citizens to May 17

Gulf Today Report

Saudi Arabia has postponed the end of a ban on travel for its citizens and the reopening of its ports from March 31 to May 17, the Saudi state news agency SPA said on Friday, citing an interior ministry official.

According to the official Saudi Press Agency cited the ministry as saying the Kingdom wants to ensure that the majority of the public is immunised against the coronavirus before lifting the ban and reopening borders.

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The ministry said it will be extending its travel restrictions due to the current global delays in vaccine deliveries by manufacturers and in light of the second wave of the virus spreading rapidly around the world.

Saudi Arabia was forced to reschedule appointments for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine after pharmaceutical company Pfizer said they would be delaying deliveries worldwide.

It also wants to maintain the low infection rate currently being reported in the Kingdom, the statement added.

Earlier this month, officials had said that travel restrictions and international flights would resume starting from March 31. Land and sea ports were also expected to reopen on the same day.

Saudi Arabia suspended flights in December 28 after the emergence of a more infectious strain of COVID-19.