Saudi Arabia extends closure of air, land, and sea borders over Covid

The Saudi government has extended its ban on all international flights and the closure of its land and sea borders to travelers through at least Jan. 3, 2021, due to concerns over the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant. Non-Saudi citizens currently in the country, however, will be allowed to leave.

The closure also does not apply to freight and goods shipments from countries where the virus mutation has not manifested.

The move follows several more targeted travel bans by many other countries in reaction to the new disease variant, which was initially discovered in England's southeast. Saudi authorities could extend the closure depending on disease activity in the coming weeks.

Domestically, commercial and business activities are operating, but strict public health measures in place. Establishments that open must implement enhanced sanitization procedures, perform temperature checks of employees and patrons, and comply with social distancing guidelines. All gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.

Authorities could reintroduce restrictive measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic if there is a significant increase in cases; such protocols could be ambiguous and occasionally contradictory.