Covid-19: Etihad, Emirates announce travel restrictions to Saudi Arabia, exemptions apply

Dubai - The notice added that the restrictions do not apply to Saudi nationals and citizens, diplomats, health practitioners and their families.

UAE airlines have announced temporary restrictions on passenger flights to Saudi Arabia, in accordance with fresh directives issued by the Kingdom banning passengers from 20 countries.

The official websites of UAE carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates on Wednesday reflected the new update, which takes effect today, February 3, from 9pm Saudi time.

"Effective 3 February 21:00 Saudi time — you will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia if you are travelling from or have been in any of the following countries in the past 14 days: Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, USA, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan," said an advisory on Etihad's official website.

The notice added that the restrictions do not apply to Saudi nationals and citizens, diplomats, health practitioners and their families.

Guests who have travelled to any of the above restricted countries in the past 14 days must quarantine in their homes for a period of 14 days on arrival to Saudi Arabia, it said.

The advisory further noted a mandatory quarantine of seven days for Saudi Nationals even if they aren't arriving from any of the restricted countries.