Saudi Arabia announces 7-day quarantine rule for unvaccinated travellers

Starting May 20, unvaccinated international travellers flying into Saudi Arabia must quarantine for a week in government-approved accommodation.

That's according to the Saudi civil aviation authority (GACA), which said the rule will not apply to individuals who can present their vaccination certificates.

Airlines have also been instructed to add the cost of the quarantine to the ticket price.

International travellers aged over eight must also present a negative PCR test with a validity of 72 hours.

Meanwhile, Saudi citizens, flight crews and diplomats will have to quarantine at home unless they are vaccinated, state news agency SPA said, citing an interior ministry official.

It's part of efforts by the authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the Kingdom reopens its borders.