General Requirement

As of July 5, 2023, the following COVID-19 entry requirements apply to travelers entering Saudi Arabia via King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED):

• All passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Meaning they should have received two doses of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• Passengers must also have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their departure for Saudi Arabia. The test report must be in English or Arabic and must be issued by a laboratory approved by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health.
• Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must still present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
• Passengers who are not fully vaccinated or do not have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the mentioned requirements, passengers may be subject to random COVID-19 testing upon arrival. If selected for testing, passengers will need to provide a sample of their saliva or undergo a nose and throat swab. Test results will be available within a few hours.

Important Documents

• Passport: Passengers are required to possess a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months after their intended departure from Saudi Arabia.
• Visa: Passengers must ensure they have obtained it before arriving at the airport.
• Immigration form: Upon reaching Saudi Arabia, passengers will be expected to fill out an immigration form.
• COVID-19 documentation: As part of the COVID-19 protocols, passengers must carry evidence of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before their departure to Saudi Arabia.
• Other documentation: Additional documents, such as an invitation letter or a hotel reservation, may also be requested.

Arrival

The arrival process at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in 2023 is as follows:

1. Deplaning: After the plane has landed, passengers are required to disembark and follow the signage leading to the immigration area.
2. Immigration: Passengers are advised to present their passport, visa, and other necessary documents to the immigration officer. The officer will verify the provided documentation and might inquire further.
3. Customs: Passengers carrying any items into Saudi Arabia are required to declare them to the customs authorities.
4. Baggage claim: Passengers should proceed to the designated baggage claim area to retrieve their luggage.
5. Exiting the airport: Upon collecting their baggage, passengers are free to leave the airport premises.

Departure

The departure process at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in 2023 is as follows:

1. Check-in: Passengers are required to check in at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight departure time. They have the option to check in online, at the check-in desk, or at the self-service check-in machines.
2. Security: All passengers departing from JED must go through the security process. They will be asked to remove their shoes, belt, and jacket, and may also be required to take out their laptop and liquids from their carry-on luggage.
3. Gates: After completing the security check, passengers should proceed to their departure gate. The gate number can be found on the boarding pass.
4. Boarding: Boarding for flights typically begins 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers will need to present their boarding pass and passport to the boarding gate agent before they are allowed to board the flight.