RIYADH — An official source at the Ministry of Interior said on Tuesday the ministry will later announce a date of lifting travel restrictions on citizens and residents traveling to and from Saudi Arabia. "In reference to the statement issued on Sept. 13, 2020, stipulating that the lifting of restrictions on citizens traveling to and from Saudi Arabia, and allowing the opening of ports for all means of transport after Jan. 1, 2021, the Ministry of the Interior would like to clarify that the date for lifting restrictions on two-way traveling and allowing the opening of ports will be announced later," the source said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The ministry was expected to make the final announcement, confirming the exact date for easing the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The ban is tentatively planned to be lifted on Jan. 1, 2021. The ministry had earlier said that the deadline for lifting the suspension would be announced 30 days before Jan. 1 next year. The ministry had also indicated that the Ministry of Health may raise a request to set coronavirus protocols for travelers and airlines. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) resumed partial operation of international flights on Sept. 15, exempting certain categories of Saudis and expatriates from the temporary travel ban. Saudia has been flying to 33 international destinations since November.
