Restrictions in Saudi Arabia and the USA by COVID-19
The movement of passengers in the world is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This forces several countries to restrict the movement of millions of travelers.
The rapid expansion of COVID-19 also limits the performance of procedures related to visas and permits of different categories. It also affects the posting of workers.
However, the measures taken by governments vary in some countries, and controlled exceptions apply.
It is important to mention that any traveler who comes from areas affected by the COVID-19 outbreak may be exposed to additional health checks, medical check-ups, quarantine periods or entry bans. These immigration restrictions are the result of the rapid expansion of COVID-19. In fact, this informational alert can undergo changes and alterations that are unpredictable in a world health crisis scenario. The established restrictions can be tightened or relaxed at any time, considering that the situation is dynamic and constantly changing. That is why, given the need for displacement, we recommend confirmation of the measures in force before the official authorities of each country.
At Duguech & Dip we inform about the different restrictions that are implemented. And we review what happens in the world due to quarantine:
Saudi Arabia:
- All international flights are suspended for a period of two weeks. Flights will only be allowed in exceptional cases.
- Visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with expired visas can extend their stay up to 180 days. The visa will be extended once the corresponding fee has been paid.
- Saudi citizens, citizens of the European Union and the other countries mentioned have a maximum period of 72 hours starting Thursday, March 16, to return to Saudi Arabia. This must be before the restrictions take effect.
- In the case of holders of business visit visas and work visit visas, they can re-enter the country as long as they have not visited any country affected by COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
- The entrance for religious pilgrimage purposes has been suspended – until further notice.
U.S:
- Suspension of entry to travelers of any nationality who have been in the European Union, Ireland and the United Kingdom in the 14 days prior to entering the country. The measure does not apply to travelers on the flight that departed before 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2020.
- The Embassy in Madrid and the United States Consulate General in Barcelona only provide emergency services.
- United States consulates located in: Dominican Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, France, Lebanon, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine are suspending or limiting visa processing services. It is not ruled out to continue adding countries to this restriction.
- Regular visa services at US consulates. USA They are suspended in the USA. USA In China.
Similarly, foreigners who recently visited China or Iran are encouraged to review the restrictions imposed by the United States on these countries. The goal is to determine if they are able to initiate a quarantine period upon arrival in the United States.
Legal Notice: Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this article should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The content on this article is offered only as information and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. You should always consult a suitably qualified lawyer regarding any specific legal problem or matter.
© 2020 Duguech & Dip, S.L.P. – All rights reserved