Saudi Arabia Lifts Travel Ban Imposed On Nigeria Due To Omicron COVID-19 Variant

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted the travel ban imposed on Nigerian flights in the wake of the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban On Nigerian Flights

According to the announcement sighted on the Saudi Gazette Twitter page, the Kingdom also lifted the suspension of direct flights and arrival from 17 other countries.

Other affected countries are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, United Republic of Comoros, Ethiopia and Afghanistan.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia had confirmed the suspension of flights to Nigeria in a circular to all airlines operating in Saudi Arabia in December 8.

In the circular titled, “Suspension of Flights coming from and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the GACA said, “Suspending all incoming flights and suspending entry to the Kingdom for non-nationals coming directly or indirectly from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except for those who have spent a period of no less than 14 days in another country from which they are allowed to come.”

The Saudi Government also scrapped major COVID-19 restrictions except wearing of masks in the two holy Mosques in Makka and Medina as well as other places of worship in the kingdom.

The directive, issued by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior, and confirmed by Saudi embassy in Nigeria, became effective from March 5, 2022.

According to the new policy, citizens visiting the Kingdom will no longer required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 quarantine or present PCR test result upon arrival in the holy land.

However, the new directive compel all new travelers to Saudi Arabia to secure an insurance that covers the costs of treatment from coronavirus infection.

Also, the Kingdom expressed commitment to complete the implementation of its national plan on immunisation, which would enable, among other principles, administration of booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and applying procedures to verify health status of pilgrims at the point of entry any facilities, including events centres, airports, and public transportation.

The ministry declared that the new measures will be subjected to continuous evaluation by the health authoritries and in line with the country’s epidemiological situation.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian Governors and the National Assembly had rejected the travel ban placed on Nigeria over the Omicron COVID-19 variant.