The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on direct flights from Nigeria and 16 other countries imposed on following the discovery of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 in South Africa. According to Saudi Gazette, the country announced the resumption of direct flights from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, the United Republic of Comoros, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
The Kingdom also lifted major COVID-19 precautions at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, except wearing face masks at the two holy mosques and other places of worship.
However, the Kingdom rolled out new travel requirements for travellers including securing insurance that covers the costs of COVID-19 treatment.
The Saudi Government further announced that in line with the implementation of its national immunisation plan, travellers to the country will be required to get the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as other procedures including the verification of the health status of pilgrims at the point of entry to any facility including, airports, public transportations, and event centres.
Speaking, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) noted that people have been deprived of performing Hajj for two years and implored Nigerians to be law abiding whenever they travel out of the country.
“Though Nigerian intending pilgrims’ response to covid-19 vaccination was impressive, yet anyone wishing to embark on Hajj and Umrah is to remember that full vaccination is required as a safety precaution for himself and residents of Saudi Arabia as well as fellow Muslim travelers to the holy land for worship. They are thus reminded that unmet vaccine requirement may lead to quarantine and or other penalties,” the Chairman said.
“Intending pilgrims are also reminded to desist from travelling with prohibited items into the Kingdom such as illicit drugs and kolanuts. They should recall that penalty for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia is death.”
